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USS Robert Smalls (CG 62)
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FAQ
What is the uniform of the day for USS ROBERT SMALLS? Uniform of the day is coveralls or NWUs/2POCs, but there will be times when you need your blue and/or white uniform items depending on the season. All are required to maintain a full sea bag.
Do I need a passport? At this time, a passport is not required when flying to Japan. It is highly advised to get one, however, as you might need one to enjoy some of the great overseas locations.
How do I get in touch with the ship? The ship can be reached via mail at: Via email: sponsor@cg62.navy.mil
Where is Yokosuka, Japan located? Yokosuka is approximately an hour ride on the train south of Tokyo.
What uniform should I wear while PCS’ing? While it was once common in the past for personnel to transit/PCS in uniform, this is no longer a good practice. When traveling on military orders you should always wear conservative civilian attire. You will need your uniforms to check in.
Can I ship my car? Yes. However, it is not recommended to do so due to import taxes and extensive registration requirements for vehicles imported into Japan. Good quality used vehicles can be purchased for a minimal price. Additionally, single E-4 and junior personnel are not authorized to register vehicles in Japan.
What opportunities are there for college or advanced education? USS ROBERT SMALLS and Japan offer several different options for classes including NCPACE. You can also take classroom courses through UMUC and several other colleges on base Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka.
Can I take leave to surrounding countries in the area (including Japan, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand)? In short, yes. However, there may be specific requirements before your leave chit is approved. Contact your sponsor for more information about this process.
How will I get to the ship when I arrive? AMC flights from the U.S. arrive at Yokota Air Force Base several days a week. Whenever an inbound flight is scheduled, Navy buses are assigned to transport passengers to Yokosuka Naval Base. There is no direct charge to ride the Navy bus from Yokota to Yokosuka. The cost of this bus transportation will be charged to your orders if you are on official travel (such as PCS or TAD.) Be sure to have several copies of your orders with you, in case they are asked for. The bus departure time will be adjusted if the flight arrives earlier or later than scheduled. Service members, either single or with their families, traveling on PCS orders have priority for seating on the bus. The bus ride from Yokota AFB to Yokosuka Navy Base is about 2-3 hours, longer if traffic is heavy. If you are not being met at Yokota AFB by your sponsor, use of the government-provided bus is mandated for transportation to Yokosuka Navy Base for military and DoD civilian personnel, and their family members, who are traveling on any type of official orders. At the present time there is no Navy liaison office in the Yokota AFB AMC passenger terminal. The Army/Air Force liaison or the Terminal Information Counter can provide information assistance.
If you are arriving at Narita International Airport via commercial airline flight: Most incoming personnel arrive at Narita International Airport located about 1 hour from downtown Tokyo, and about 2-3 hours from Yokosuka. The airlines are split up between two Terminals (No. 1 & No. 2), there is a free shuttle bus between them every 20 minutes. The primary meeting and pickup point is at Terminal No.1 on the ground floor at the Northwest Airlines counter...that's where you will find the Military Liaison. Navy buses for Yokosuka leave three times a day at 1530, 1730 & 1900, if you are traveling on orders, please provide a copy to the Navy Liaison at the counter, or fax a copy to PSD Yokosuka to reserve a seat; all remaining seats on the buses are open on a space available, first come first signup basis. You or your sponsor can contact the PSD Liaison at DSN 243-7777 or Commercial 011-81-46-816-7777.
Where will I live when I arrive? Upon arrival, you’ll be assigned a rack onboard the ship and be placed on the wait list for a barracks room (single E-4 under 4 years of service & E-1 to E-3) . Housing both on and off base are available for all married personnel with accompanied dependents. Single E-4's (with over 4 years of service) and all E-5 and senior are eligible for Overseas Housing Allowance to utilize for an off base rental.
What is TLA? For more information regarding TLA policy, click here and download a copy of the TLA Worksheet.
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.usff.navy.mil/ia
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://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.
FPO AP, 96662-1182