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Moving? Fleet and Family Support Center can help

  • Published
  • By Navy Installations Command Public Affairs commander
  • Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON --  Navy Installations Command's Fleet and Family Support Centers offer many resources to help Sailors and their families when they receive permanent change of station orders.

"Relocating to a new duty station is never easy, but can be made less stressful with proper planning and utilization of the free services of the Fleet and Family Support Centers," said Fred Davis, Fleet and Family Support Program's Relocation Assistance Program manager. "Our Sailors and family members may be anxious about finding affordable housing, reputable schools, and employment opportunities, to name a few. The Relocation Assistance Program is designed to make the moving process as effortless as possible."

Those moving can attend a Smooth Move Workshop hosted by the FFSC. The Smooth Move Workshop will address move-related topics such as who pays what for the move, how to ship personal property and information about the sponsorship program.

There will also be a financial counselor available to discuss expected moving expenses and how to prepare for the unexpected. FFSCs offer welcome-aboard packets with information about bases worldwide. Sailors who have shipped everyday items such as portable cribs or toasters to their new location, may be able to borrow them from FFSCs. Some FFSCs also offer videos about life overseas.

"Planning and preparation, as well as a sense of humor and positive attitude, have been proven to be sure-fire stress reducers," Davis said.

For information about Fleet and Family Support Center's Relocation Assistance Program, visit http://ffsp.navy.mil.

Another available tool is on the Military HOMEFRONT Web site. "Plan Your Move" allows creation of arrival and travel checklists and provides information on new community, schools, finance, housing, relocation assistance, transportation and finance contacts.

Anyone interested in learning more about a new installation can go to the Military Installations tab on on Military HOMEFRONT. More than 250 installations worldwide from the Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Defense Logistics Agency and Department of Veterans Affairs can be found on the site.

The Military Installations section provides a map and directions to most services and programs on the installation, including the barber shop, legal offices, loan closets, the commissary, the golf course and much more.

Military HOMEFRONT's Plan My Move tool and other relocation information is available at http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/tf/movingandrelocation.