Thomas McAtee posted on February 01, 2010 00:15
February 2010 Navy
by CAPT Tom McAtee
Really? – Your Navy service record was destroyed in the St. Louis fire –– Not really
On 12 July 1973, a disastrous fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis destroyed approximately 16-to-18 million records. However, virtually none were Navy service records. The affected records are described below:
ARMY — For personnel discharged 1 November to 1 January 1960, nearly 80% of the records were destroyed.
AIR FORCE — For personnel discharged 25 September 1947 to 1 January 1964, nearly 75% of the records were destroyed.
So, for older Navy veterans, your record still exists at NPRC in St. Louis. Currently, Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN, holds all records for those discharged or retired from 1997 to present.
Age 60 through 65 timeline for Navy Reservists
Age 60 retired pay and benefits commence. The first direct deposit to your account will be on the first working day of the month following your birthday. New ID cards, reflecting retired with pay status, required for you and eligible family members. Your spouse’s new ID card will expire in the month prior to him/her reaching age 65. You and eligible dependents are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Standard if you properly applied for retired pay benefits through the Navy Personnel Command (PERS0912) Millington, TN. You may apply for TRICARE Prime only after reaching age 60, not before.
Age 62 First opportunity to opt-out of the Survivor Benefit Plan. Must submit SBP Termination Request (DD Form2656-2) with spouse concurrence. You have until the day before turning age 63 to opt-out of the plan. Your first opportunity for Social Security benefits at the reduced rate. You will need your DD214 when applying.
Age 63 The day before turning age 63 is your last opportunity for opting out of the SBP program. Once out of the program, no reentry is authorized, not even during an open season.
Age 64 The Association will send you a letter on your 64th birthday reminding you of several items that will occur at age 65.
Age 65 TRICARE Standard, Extra, or Prime end the last day of the month before the month you turn age 65. TRICARE continues for any family member until he/she turns age 65. MEDICARE begins the first day of the month in which you turn age 65. TRICARE for Life (TFL) begins on the same day as Medicare, provided you are covered under Part B. TFL now becomes the second payee after Medicare. Normally, no supplemental insurance is required at this point. New spouse ID card required upon spouse reaching age 65. You, as the retired member, do not need to renew your ID card.
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