Navy to Increase Dollars for Sea Duty

Sailors in critical, sea-duty intensive ratings who extend their sea tours or agree to cut short shore duty in order to go to sea may be in line for big bucks under a plan being devised by the Navy. The program, dubbed “Sea Duty Incentive Pay,” would give eligible participants a lump-sum payment based on months of extra sea duty multiplied by a monthly rate from $500 to $750. Thus a Sailor whose rating and pay grade qualify him and who extends sea duty for a year would earn from $6,000 to $9,000. The Navy expects to commence the plan with a pilot program for E-8 and E-9 aviation boatswain’s mates, enginemen first class and Aegis fire controlmen second class. Expect details in an upcoming NAVADMIN.