WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As announced by NAVADMIN 025/12, released Jan. 20, the Navy will offer voluntary early retirement to certain Sailors separating due to the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB).

The National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law Dec. 31, 2011, reinstated the authority for the Department of Defense to implement Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) for Sailors who have completed at least 15 years of service. TERA is a temporary, voluntary program that offers voluntary early retirement at a reduced monthly retirement pay to eligible members with 15 to 20 years of active service.

"Our Sailors have served honorably and our Navy is committed to doing all we can to help them and their families successfully transition to the civilian sector," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West. "We have aggressively pursued the option to offer early retirement benefits to eligible Sailors since Temporary Early Retirement Authority was granted. This is the right thing to do, and it ensures we provide the strongest possible transition benefits to those who qualify for retirement under TERA."

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GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Former crew members of the Historic Ship USS Nautilus (SSN 571) offered their reflections of serving aboard the U.S. Navy's first nuclear-powered submarine in advance of the 58th anniversary of its launching Jan. 21.

Former submariner Al Charette served aboard Nautilus in 1957 as a first class sonarman.

"Not only the first nuclear powered submarine in the Navy, it was the world's first nuclear-powered vessel. It was also the world's first ship to reach the North Pole," said Charette. "A lot of earlier exploration ships attempted it, but didn't achieve the North Pole. A lot of people visited the North Pole, some by plane, by dog sled, but our submarine will be remembered as the first ship in history to reach the North Pole."

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PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Adm. Cecil D. Haney, former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command, relieved Adm. Patrick M. Walsh as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during a change of command ceremony onboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 20.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert presided over the ceremony and praised Walsh for his service in the Navy and the impact his leadership had on the command.

"He's had a marvelous career. He knows what it means to take care of a family, he knows what it means to take care of a command, and he's encouraged his staff to do the same," said Greenert to a crowd of almost 900 attendees. "He's (Walsh) all about being ready, he's harnessed that Pacific Fleet teamwork, the talent and resources."

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