UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 291924Z MAY 20 MID110000745277U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 160/20 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAY// SUBJ/GUIDANCE ON CONDUCTING CEREMONIES FOR RETIREMENT OR TRANSFER TO THE FLEET RESERVE DELAYED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC// REF/A/DOC/NPC/2OCT13// REF/B/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/261427ZMAR20// REF/C/DOC/DOD/1JAN20// REF/D/INST/SECNAV/14MAR06// REF/E/DOC/JTR/1MAY20// NARR/REF A IS MILPERSMAN 1800-010, GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING CEREMONY FOR RETIREMENT OR TRANSFER TO THE FLEET RESERVE. REF B IS NAVADMIN 089/20. REF C IS THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) FINANCIAL MANAGMEMENT REGULATIONS. REF D IS SECNAVINST 7042.7K, GUIDELINES FOR USE OF OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIONAL FUNDS (ORF). REF E IS DOD JOINT TRAVEL REGULATIONS.// RMKS/1. In line with reference (a), this NAVADMIN announces interim policy guidance pertaining to command-sponsored retirement ceremonies delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has limited group gatherings and congregate events, such as command- sponsored retirement ceremonies designed to express the appreciation of the Navy for the many years of faithful and honorable service our Service Members have devoted to their country. This NAVADMIN amplifies reference (a) by permitting commands to approve delays in the execution of command-sponsored retirement ceremonies following an effective retirement date for Service Members up to 6 months after the cognizant installation commanding officer allows group gatherings of over 10 people. This authority also extends to the retirement ceremonies of those Service Members who receive voluntary extensions of their retirement dates pursuant to reference (b). 2. As detailed by reference (a), upon notification of an approved retirement or Fleet Reserve transfer date by Naval Personnel Command, Service Members may request a command-sponsored retirement ceremony. A request for use of any command resources, logistics or personnel support for a retirement ceremony constitutes a request for an official command-sponsored ceremony. 3. Commands using the authority in this NAVADMIN may approve requests by Service Members on a case-by-case basis after fully considering existing Navy mitigation measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Commands, as directed by reference (a), will make every reasonable effort within regulations, budgetary constraints and practicality to provide the items requested. 4. Upon approval by a command, the retirement ceremony becomes an official command function. Use of appropriated funds may be authorized consistent with reference (c) and budgetary constraints. The sponsoring command will use current year operating funds in the fiscal year the retirement ceremony is held. 5. Limitations on the use of appropriated funds. Appropriated funds shall not be used for food, receptions or unofficial functions. Specifically, associated events such as receptions are considered personal in nature and should not be funded with appropriated funds. However, a command may provide notice of the time and location of a directly related reception so long as it will not increase the cost to the Government. Pursuant to reference (d), Official Representation Funds (ORF) shall not be used for retirement ceremonies. Additional questions concerning the use of appropriated funds for necessary expenses should be addressed through the command comptroller or legal counsel. 6. To request a command-sponsored retirement ceremony, Service Members shall follow the procedures in reference (a) and shall request in writing to the commanding officer or commander of the parent command. The request or extension shall be submitted early enough to allow for adequate planning. Reference (a) directs the ceremony be sponsored by the last permanent duty station regardless of whether the retiree transferred to a new activity while pending placement on the retired list. 7. Limitations on personal travel entitlements. Commands should exercise caution when funding personal travel for Service Members after retirement to the location of their command-sponsored retirement ceremonies. Retired Service Members will not qualify for travel benefits under reference (e), section 030101. Reference (e), section 030501, permits commands to issue invitational travel orders for an individual who participates in a ceremony directly related to the interest of the DoD component. Travel approval authorities must scrutinize requests from Service Members for invitational travel orders on a case-by-case basis consistent with reference (c) and budgetary constraints. 8. This interim policy guidance is in effect for 1 year from the date of issuance. Requests from retiring Service Members will only be approved for command-sponsored retirement ceremonies held preceding retirement or following the effective retirement date for up to 6 months after the cognizant installation commanding officer allows group gatherings of over 10 people. This authority permits commands to delay command-sponsored retirement ceremonies consistent with reference (a) while recognizing the limitations posed by COVID-19 to the celebration of traditional naval ceremonies and events. 9. For questions concerning these policy changes, please contact MyNavy Career Center at (833) 330-6622 or via e-mail at askmncc(at)navy.mil. 10. Released by VADM John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//