They were specifically designed for minesweeping duties but are not designated as minesweeping vessels nor classified as combatant ships. They're designated as service craft, and assigned to the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Mine Forces. Sailors Active-duty Sailors and their family members making PCS moves may now obtain information on available medical care at their new permanent duty station. It's a fact. Sailors are always ready to learn.
Trouble is, getting the necessary training to sustain that level of readiness can be difficult.
So, the Navy is doing something about it. Through a program initiated by the Chief of Naval Education and Training, schools that were once deemed too costly in terms of dollars or TAD time are being brought to high fleet concentration areas. The Homeport Training concept is one answer to the fleet's requirements for training. The idea is to provide courses through commercial vendors in areas that are accessible to a great number of Sailors. According to Fred Barranger, director, Local Training Authority Hampton Roads, mess management specialists in Norfolk are involved in the pilot program that may eventually be expanded to other areas.