NOVEMBER 8, 2016, PEARL HARBOR (NNS) – U.S. Pacific Fleet’s new rating modernization Operational Planning Team (OPT) is seeking input from Sailors as the team works to help shape the Navy’s transition from enlisted ratings to Navy Occupational Specialty (NOS) codes.
The team stood up after the Navy announced Sept. 29 that all rating titles for enlisted Sailors will reflect a new classification system consisting of occupational specialty codes similar to how other branches of the military categorize enlisted skill sets. The transition will occur in phases over a multi-year period.
Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, said the OPT will help Pacific Fleet stay synchronized with rating modernization efforts occurring throughout the Navy.
“Pacific Fleet OPT efforts will ensure we in the Pacific are aligned with the vision of Navy rating modernization,” said Adm. Scott H. Swift commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. “I look forward to the ensuing dialogue and development of this important initiative.”
Members participating in the working group, including senior enlisted leaders like U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Suz Whitman, will lead rating modernization in the Fleet by engaging Sailors, soliciting their feedback and raising their awareness as phases of the modernization progress.
“PACFLT is leading efforts to gather information from the fleet, specifically from Sailors, to properly inform the rating modernization process,” said Whitman. “The OPT allows Sailors’ voices to be heard. Their input will help shape the modernization process.”
The intent of the rating modernization is to maximize talent management and career flexibility, while providing enlisted Sailors with training and widely recognized credentials that will be transferable to the civilian workforce. It is one of several initiatives aimed at providing Sailors with more opportunities for training, duty stations, advancement, and retirement or separation.
The world’s largest fleet command, the U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 200 ships/submarines, nearly 1,100 aircraft, and more than 140,000 Sailors and civilians.