JANURAY 29, 2015, WASHINGTON (NNS) – Hardship Duty Pay-Tempo (HDP-T) eligible Sailors have received $4.2 million in their paycheck as of Jan. 28, according to Navy officials.
More than 5,500 Sailors from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) received the HDP-T pay in their December and January paychecks.
The Sailors received HDP-T at $16.50 daily, and did not exceed the $495 monthly maximum when they were operationally deployed beyond 220 consecutive days.
The Sailors that received the money are part of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW ) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
The Bataan group was comprised of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).
Sailors who left on deployment with Bataan were the first to benefit from HDP-T.
“I think it’s important that the younger Sailors who experience a long and arduous deployment for the first time understand that the Navy recognizes their hard-work, and is prepared to offer monetary reward for it,” said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Charles Kirby, a Bataan Sailor.
Bataan returned to her homeport in Norfolk Oct. 31, 2014 and George H.W. Bush returned to its homeport , Nov. 15, 2014.
A Bush Sailor added how he appreciated the extra money for all his extra time and work he spent away from home.
“It was a nice added bonus for me giving my time, sweat and effort for the government,” said Information Technician 1st Class (SW/DW/AW) Gregory Thomas. “It feels like the government’s looking out for us.”
HDP-T, took effect Sept. 17, 2014 and Sailors and Marines will receive the pay on a monthly basis. Reservists serving in individual augmentee assignments that meet the 220-day threshold will receive their pay upon completion of their mobilization. The DoD has authorized HDP-T for two years.