Welcome

CONGRATULATIONS! You have orders to USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57) in sunny southern California! This page will assist you in transitioning to your new command and to San Diego. You will be assigned a sponsor; who is generally someone of the same rate and similar rank. You will also be receiving a welcome aboard letter from your sponsor and a welcome aboard packet. Your sponsor has been assigned to you because of their experience and knowledge so use this source of information! The most important thing you can do is to communicate with your sponsor throughout your PCS move. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about your transition.

Before Arrival

Please visit https://sandiego.navylifesw.com. It is a great starting point and the website has all the resources you and your family will need prior to PCS.

Applying for Navy Housing:
Interested in living in Navy housing? All officers and enlisted personnel with PCS orders to San Diego, California, and accompanying dependents are eligible to apply! Apply for PPV Homes through email with required documents to web.housing@navy.mil or apply in person at the Housing Service Center, 2625 Le Hardy Street, Building 3544, San Diego, CA 92136. The Housing Service Center hours are Monday through Friday 0800 – 1700, closed weekends and holidays. Applications must be submitted in person when housing is needed immediately or in less than 30 days. Additional information about housing can be found at https://lincolnmilitary.com/apply-now/?i=sandiego-naval-complex.

Hotel Reservations: We advise you to make any hotel reservations well in advance, especially if your PCS is during a tourist season. Your sponsor can assist you in finding a hotel, but you will have to finalize your reservation.

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): Is authorized for all command sponsored military personnel arriving on Permanent Change of Station orders pending availability of government housing, or pending completion of permanent living arrangements. TLE is not paid in advance, but is paid after filing a completed claim with receipts and endorsements. TLE is an allowance intended to partially pay members for lodging/meal expenses incurred by a member/dependent(s) while occupying temporary lodging in the Continental United States (CONUS) in association with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. TLE is only authorized in the vicinity of the old/new Permanent Duty Station (PDS); and is limited to 10 days for CONUS to CONUS PCS. It’s advisable to have at least $1,500 in your account to meet immediate off-base living expenses. TLE commences the date your PCS orders are endorsed as having reported aboard. It is imperative that you have your orders endorsed with the time and date reported as soon as possible after arriving in San Diego. You will not be reimbursed for any days of temporary lodging prior to the report date endorsed on your orders.

Upon Arrival

Orders:
Report directly to the ship on Naval Station San Diego. In case the ship is deployed or underway, report to Transit Personnel Unit (TPU). TPU is located in Bldg 3142, Brunton Hall, San Diego Naval Base, 32nd Street, "Dry side". They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have an outstanding staff to take care of you while you are in a transient status. TPU Quarterdeck number is: (619) 556-3182.

Airport:
All flights land at the San Diego International Airport located about eight miles north of Naval Station San Diego. Travel time to Naval Station San Diego is approximately 10 minutes by car during non-rush hour. Your sponsor will most likely be the one greeting you at the airport and will help you get settled into your initial accommodations. If no one is there to pick you up, please go to the USO in the Airport and they will assist you in contacting the duty driver. LAKE CHAMPLAINS quarterdeck number is (619) 556-4485.

Check-in:
Always check in wearing your seasonal dress uniform. When you check in the Officer of the Deck should sign your orders and your sponsor will be called to the quarterdeck to meet you if they are not at the airport. You should also meet with the Command Duty Officer and Section Leader who will ensure you have a place to sleep and inform you when to report for work in the morning. If you arrived in San Diego alone, make sure to call your loved ones.

Good luck with your transition to San Diego and please contact our sponsor coordinator for any questions or concerns you may have at sponsors@cg57.navy.mil.

Navy Resources

San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an Ombudsman?
Every Command has an Ombudsman who is a spouse of a sailor at the Command. The Ombudsman serves as the liaison between the command and the families. The Ombudsman is the point of contact for the families. He or she can assist families with navigating through Navy life through resources and information.

2. How can an Ombudsman help me?
Navy Family Ombudsmen are key resources for family members, particularly during deployments. Ombudsmen maintain current resource files with information on military and civilian community agencies that can help families solve a variety of problems, and successfully meet the challenges they face before, during, and after deployments. In addition to providing referral information, Ombudsmen can facilitate communication between the Command and family members. Ombudsmen may publish or contribute to command newsletters or maintain care lines, which have recorded messages with information for command families that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Ombudsmen can also assist families in contacting the Command for a variety of reasons.

3. What is the role of the COMNAVSURFPAC Force Ombudsman?
The Force Ombudsman provides oversight and guidance for all the Surface Ship's Ombudsmen in the Pacific Fleet Area of Responsibility. You can contact the Surface Forces Ombudsman at (619) 301-6983 or send an email to surfaceombudsman@gmail.com

4. What is an IA assignment or tour?
An IA is an Individual Augmentee. A Sailor may receive orders to go IA and this means that he or she will deploy as an Individual, not with their command. Sometimes an IA will deploy and be stationed with another branch of the Military. http://www.ia.navy.mil/

5. What is NFAAS?
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System. This is how the Navy will track your family and assess your needs during an emergency. https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil

6. How can I find out more about medical, dental or Navy family resources?
Contact your Command Ombudsman. He or she will guide you to your resources.

This is an official U.S. Navy website

USS Lake Champlain (CG 57)

San Diego, CA