VFC 12

04/01/2026

Feeling good for 133!

For more than a century, the Chiefs Mess has been the foundation this Navy is built on. Navy Reserve Chiefs carry that legacy into every corner of the force.

Happy Birthday, Chiefs.

U.S. Navy

02/28/2026

📣Sailor in the Spotlight📣

This month we’re proud to recognize AE3 Thomas!

Originally from Desoto, Georgia, AE3 Thomas joined the Navy to build self-discipline, establish a clear career path, and set the example for her younger siblings that it’s possible to rise beyond a small town and achieve something greater.

Looking ahead, she plans to earn a degree in behavioral sciences and commission as a Naval Officer — continuing her commitment to growth and leadership.

Though she may come across as bubbly and outgoing, AE3 Thomas admits she’s naturally shy. Sometimes it’s the quiet determination behind the smile that makes the biggest impact.

Keep pushing forward and setting the standard, AE3 Thomas! ⚓️

02/19/2026

02/18/2026

01/22/2026

📣Sailor in the Spotlight📣

We are proud to recognize AO1 Perry as our first Sailor in the Spotlight of 2026. AO1 Perry was selected as Sailor of the Quarter for 4th Quarter, Fiscal Year 2025 and currently serves as both the Command Financial Specialist and First Class Petty Officer Association President. Raised in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, AO1 Perry joined the Navy inspired by the legacy of his father, a driving influence and role model throughout his life. Looking ahead to life after the Navy, he plans to refine his barista skills and pursue his goal of opening his own coffee shop. A fun fact about AO1 Perry: he’s ambidextrous and can write with both hands—a talent he never fails to impress with at any gathering. Thank you, AO1 Perry, for setting the standard through your professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to taking care of our Sailors.

01/12/2026

Congratulations to our newly frocked Sailors—your hard work, dedication, and leadership have earned this milestone. We’re proud of you as you step into greater responsibility and continue to lead from the front. ⚓️

AT1 Junkins
AO1 Kelly
AE1 Wong
AD2 Bournes
AO2 Castrejon
AT2 Danyus
AD2 Huff
AME2 Hughes
AO2 Hunter
AO2 Nelson
AE2 Nieri
AZ2 Nunley
AT2 Reed
AD2 Rueda
AD2 Sweat
AT2 Yanez

Not pictured:
AE2 Barthlemess
AM2 Limdoung
YN2 Dixon

01/12/2026

Navy Reserve (SELRES): Benefits updates rolling into 2026

A number of federal laws enacted in 2025 are updating military and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits on staggered timelines into 2026. Below are the changes most relevant to Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors and families:

Key updates + timelines:

1. VA disability and survivor benefits COLA aligned with Social Security effective Dec. 1, 2025.

2. MGIB-SR (Montgomery GI Bill–Selected Reserve) in-state tuition protections begin Aug. 1, 2026 at public institutions in the state where the student lives/attends; noncompliant schools risk losing VA education approval.

3. SGLI/VGLI inflation review cycle begins Jan. 1, 2026, requiring VA to conduct a recurring inflation-based review of maximum coverage.

4. VA Home Loan modernization establishes a new foreclosure-prevention tool (“partial claim”); implementation details are being finalized through VA guidance.

5. Stronger protections in cases of fiduciary misuse of benefits, expanding when VA must reissue misused benefits and pursue recovery from the perpetrator.

6. Transition improvements (FY26 NDAA) strengthening separation counseling and improving movement/visibility of key records to reduce delays in claims and benefit access.

Recommended actions for SELRES:

1. If you plan to use MGIB-SR in 2026, coordinate early with your Education Services Officer and your school’s VA office.

2. Maintain digital copies of key documents that support claims and eligibility.

3. Monitor official VA/DoD guidance as implementation details post.

01/11/2026

⚓️ PFA Update 💪| Important Changes in 2026

NAVADMIN 264/25 announces major updates to the Navy Physical Readiness Program, effective 1 January 2026. Below are the PFA changes Navy Reserve Sailors should be tracking.

Key Changes You Need to Know:

Two PFA Cycles Per Year
• Cycle 1: January–June; Cycle 2: July–December
• Drilling SELRES and Sailors on active-duty orders less than 12 months will complete one PFA per year
• TAR Sailors and SELRES on active-duty orders of 12 months or longer will complete both cycles

Updated Body Composition Assessment (BCA)
• Height, weight, and waist measurements will be collected on all Sailors
• Step-1: The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) – s*x neutral
• Step-2: Calculation of body composition using height minus waist measurement, with weight factored into determinations
o Note: Step-2 is not required if a Sailor passes Step-1.
• Age-adjusted standards are eliminated
• Updated body fat limits: 26% male / 36% female

High-Performance BCA Exception (Stricter Standard)
• Sailors outside BCA standards may still pass the PFA if they score:
o Outstanding-Low overall, and
o Excellent-Medium or better in every PRT event
• Results with BCA failure will reflect “BCA Not in Standards”
• Sailor will participate in FEP

PFA Failure Policy
• Sailors who fail three PFAs within four years (beginning in CY26) will be processed for administrative separation
• Active Component and TAR Sailors meeting this threshold will remain at their current command but will be ineligible for transfer

One-Time PFA Failure Reset
• All PFA failures prior to 1 January 2026 will reset to zero for career continuation purposes

Postpartum PFA Participation
• Beginning CY26, Sailors must participate in the official PFA conducted at the end of their 12-month postpartum deferment, provided they are medically cleared.

Combat Fitness Test (CFT)
• Sailors assigned to specific NECs (NSW, EOD, SWCC, Fleet Divers) will complete one PFA and one CFT per year

These updates represent significant changes. Sailors should review guidance early, prepare accordingly, and consult their Command Fitness Leader for official details. For the most current policy, guides, and fact sheet, reference MyNavyHR - Physical Readiness (https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Culture-Resilience/Physical-Readiness/Guides/)

12/24/2025

Happy holidays, Team Oceana! See below for adjusted hours for Dec 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan 1.

12/24/2025

❗️🎅❕BREAKING: NAS Oceana stands ready as alternate landing site for Santa Claus. Read more below. ⬇️

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana is standing by to support Santa Claus as he conducts his annual global flight on Christmas Eve.

In keeping with the installation’s mission to support the fleet, fighter and family, Team Oceana has completed preparations to serve as an alternate landing site should Santa require a weather divert, a cookie break, or other operational stop along his route.

“Our team is trained to support time-critical, high-visibility operations in all conditions,” said Capt. Josh Appezzato, commanding officer of NAS Oceana. “Team Oceana is prepared.”

NAS Oceana personnel will monitor airspace and ensure runways are clear. Ground support is available if needed, including hot cocoa, cookies, and carrots for the reindeer. Every element of the U.S. Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base is postured to support Santa’s mission and ensure his journey continues safely and on time.

NAS Oceana notes that while Santa’s sleigh does not follow a traditional flight plan or file a standard notice to air missions (NOTAM), the installation’s operational posture remains focused on safety, readiness and supporting the fleet year round, including during the holiday season.

“We’re proud to support a tradition that means a great deal to families around the world,” Appezzato added. “And we’re equally proud of our sailors, civilians and families who continue to stand the watch during the holidays.”



U.S. Navy The Secretary of the Navy The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations U.S. Fleet Forces Command Commander, Navy Installations Command

12/24/2025

Congratulations to all those who advanced this cycle!

📣 AC/TAR Advancement Results Released!

Congratulations to the Sailors selected for advancement!

Results for the AC/TAR cycle are now available on MyNavyHR.

Sailors can view official results and related advancement information through the Advancement page.

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Community-Management/Enlisted-Career-Admin/Advancement/