Welcome Aboard

So, you have taken order to the USS MITSCHER? Welcome Aboard! You are about to embark on a both challenging and rewarding tour. To carry out her many diverse missions, MITSCHER relies on her Sailors, and for Sailors to be effective they must be comfortable and know that their families are taken care of. This information is provided to aid you as you prepare for your assignment. 


Sponsor Program
The best way to ensure a smooth move is through preparation and planning well in advance of the move. Contacting your sponsor is one of the biggest tools at your disposal. It allows your new chain of command to understand your needs and provide assistance when possible. 
If you haven't been contacted by your sponsor yet, please send an e-mail to the Command Career Counselor (ccc@ddg57.navy.mil).
Include the following information in your email:

• DO NOT include your SSN in any correspondence 

• Today's Date 

• Name 

• Rate and Rank 

• Current duty station and UIC (Unit Identification Code) 

• PRD (Projected Rotation Date) 

• EAOS (End of Active Obligated Service) 

• All current NECs (Navy Enlisted Classifications) 

• Warfare designators (SW/AW/FMF/SS/etc) 

• Email addresses (current military and personal) 

• Phone numbers (current duty station and home/mobile/cell) 

• Dependent status. If you have dependents, this will aid in assigning an appropriate sponsor. 

If you don't already have a sponsor, the CMC will ensure you are assigned one. Once you have a sponsor, make contact often to advise them of what your travel plans are, any changes that arise, and about any difficulties you may be having. Your sponsor can assist you with any special arrangements, if needed. Communicating with your sponsor is the key.


Arriving in Norfolk
DRIVING: No matter which direction you come from, you will approach Norfolk on Interstate 64. Follow the posted signs to Norfolk Naval Base on Interstate 564. Interstate 564 becomes Admiral Taussig Blvd. as you near the base. When you come to the third stop light, turn left onto Hampton Blvd. At the first light, turn right into Gate 5. Naval Station Norfolk recognizes all DoD decals. Should you need a temporary pass, the Pass and ID Office is located on Hampton Blvd. opposite Gate 5.
FLYING: Norfolk has numerous methods of transportation from the airport. The most convenient is a Navy shuttle van provided by contacting the Military Information Booth located on the second level in the Norfolk International Airport Arrivals Terminal. You will find a Navy representative on duty to assist you from 07:30 to 24:00, seven days a week. Uniformed military personnel have information about all bases in the Hampton Roads area, transportation, duty office telephone numbers and emergency assistance numbers.


Checking In
USS MITSCHER is home ported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. You should report in the uniform of the day with your PCS orders and all of you military records. The specific pier where the ship will be moored changes each time the ship pulls in from an underway period, so it is important to keep in close contact with your sponsor. If you report in at a time when the ship is underway, report to the Transient Personnel Unit (TPU), located at 1683 Gilbert Street, Naval Station Norfolk. To make your transition to MITSCHER as smooth as possible, and to save you time and frustration, keep the ship and your assigned sponsor informed of you travel arrangements.


Phone numbers and Points of Contact

• USS MITSCHER Quarterdeck:  (757) 444-7004

• Transient Personnel Unit (TPU):  (757) 444-1640 (24 hrs/day)

• Fleet and Family Support Center:  (757) 444-2102

• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Norfolk Office:  (757) 322-3134/1171

• Sewells Point Branch Medical Clinic:  (757) 953-9000

• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth:  (757) 953-5000

• NMCP TRICARE Information:  1-877-TRICARE (874-2273)

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