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Unless retired or separated earlier, each regular commissioned officer of the navy (other than permanent regular warrant officers and permanent professors at the United States Naval Academy) serving in a grade below rear admiral (lower half) shall be separated or retired, if eligible, on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 62 years of age.
The Secretary of the Navy may defer the retirement of an officer beyond age 62 in accordance with Title 10, United States Code.
Officers desiring to defer retirement beyond the age of 62 years must formally request to do so via a personal letter and command endorsement. The request should be submitted 6-9 months prior to attaining the age of 62 years or the expiration of a previously approved deferral of retirement. Endorsements from higher authorities to the member’s commanding officer will be accepted but are not required. Only the command endorsement is required to process the request.
References 10 USC 1251 10 USC 1252 (Permanent Professors at USNA) 10 USC 1263 (Warrant Officers) SECNAVINST 1920.6D (Not currently available at the DON Issuances website) Example Request Letter and Endorsement