If PCSing and arriving to a command or unit that is currently
deployed, you will, upon arrival to Naval Station Everett, report to the
Temporary Personnel Unit (TPU) Attachment Everett (see this topics CONTACTS for
phone #'s, etc.).
If you have dependants and your unit is deployable,
there are certain preparations you must make before you deploy. If
you are PCSing to Everett and your unit is currently deployed, all or most of
these preparations must be made either before you arrive or immediately after
arrival. Several of these items should be made before you report to
your deployed command. A list of these items is as follows:
NOTE:
Every person's situation is unique. This list is only a guideline and
may/may not contain items that pertain to your situation.
Communication
-
Communication is the key to any successful
relationship. Spouses and, perhaps, children should have activated
email accounts to ensure a communication connection exists between the deployed
servicemember and dependants. Yahoo, Hotmail and many other internet
programs provide free email service. An email account allows the
transfer of voice, photos, documents and, electronic letters, to name a
few. Best of all, the service can be free. The only
drawback is to have a computer with internet connectivity. Your Fleet
and Family Support Center (FFSC), MWR, local library, Navy College, etc., can
provide this, usually at no cost. Most cell phones provide only
limited service and can be expensive when communicating between home and a
deployed area. Postal service can deliver a myriad of items,
including "care packages", original documents, photos, pictures, children's
homework, food, etc. This could take a week or more for delivery and
postage can be expensive. In any situation, ensure as many ways of
communicating as possible and try to communicate frequently.
Medical
-
For your own peace-of-mind, ensure all dependants
are connected to the local Tricare facilities. You should, at a
minimum, apply for local Tricare services for your dependants, update DEERS and
ensure ID cards won't expire during the deployment. If there is a
dependant with special educational, mental or medical needs, you should contact
your Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Coordinator BEFORE leaving your
current duty station, to arrange for current services to continue after you
relocate. The EFMP Coordinator is usually located at each military
medical treatment facility (MTF). If you are unsure of how to contact
your local EFMP Coordinator, contact your local FFSC, MTF or call our EFMP
Coordinator at DSN 727-4140 or commercial (425)304-4140.
Legal
-
If married, at a minimum, your spouse needs to have
appropriate Powers of Attorney (POA). You should contact your local
Navy Legal Services Office (NLSO) before leaving your current duty
station. NLSO can provide many other legal services and should be
consulted before PCSing and/or deploying. You may need to contact the
Everett Navy NLSO either before or shortly after you arrive. The
Everett NLSO can be reached at DSN 727-4551, commercial
(425)304-4551.
Housing -
This is
an obvious need for your family and, if at all possible, should be secured
before you deploy. Securing most housing will probably entail a
credit check, deposits, allotments and signing of rental/lease agreements before
housing is secured. The Everett Housing Welcome Center (see this
topics CONTACTS for phone #'s, etc.) can assist you with
this.
Financial -
You should never
deploy without first arranging adequate financial support for your dependants.
Arrangements can be made via your bank and/or dispersing
office. There is a Navy Federal Credit Union (see this topics
CONTACTS for phone #'s, etc.) located at the Everett Family Support
Complex. Contact your local dispersing office before PCSing if you
have questions about this.
For emergency financial
situations before or after PCSing to Everett, contact your local Navy and Marine
Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) for assistance. While traveling, you
should contact the nearest American Red Cross (ARC) for emergency
funds.
You may need to consider the following, as
well:
Auto
storage/registration;
Utility and telephone
hook-ups;
School
registration;
How to contact the command Ombudsman
(all deployed units should have one);
Receipt and/or
storage of Household Goods (HHG) (if the servicemenber is not available to
receive shipment of HHG, the spouse may need to do so and will probably need a
POA);
A Family Care Plan to ensure legal, financial,
guardianship and medical care will be provided in emergency situations.