Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) are earning big while taking advantage of the latest update to the Navy's Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) program.

A total of 174 Sailors have reenlisted since Harry S. Truman entered the Adriatic Sea, May 30, earning roughly $2.4 million in tax-free SRBs. Additionally, another 173 Sailors are scheduled to reenlist in June. This could increase the final tally to more than $4 million.

The May 14 update, NAVADMIN 119/18, expanded the SRB program by adding 39 skills in 12 ratings and increasing award levels for 135 skills in 48 ratings.

"These most recent changes to policy created the possibility for 513 Sailors on board Truman to potentially reenlist early due to combat zone tax exclusion status," said Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Jesse Lind.

Because Harry S. Truman operated in a tax-free zone in both May and June, Sailors who reenlist during these months and are eligible for an SRB, are afforded the opportunity to maximize their bonus amount.

"This NAVADMIN is great because it benefits both the Navy and the Sailor. It's truly a case where everybody wins," said Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Paige Gustin. "The Navy gets to keep well-trained and well-qualified Sailors, which helps prevent gap billets and saves the money needed to train another Sailor as a replacement. Ultimately, this helps the ship maintain mission readiness and saves the Navy money by increasing retention rates."

In addition to the SRB expansion, reenlistment windows were expanded to allow Sailors to reenlist within 180 days of their end of active obligated service, including exceptions to allow up to one calendar year in some cases.

These cases include Sailors eligible for combat zone tax exclusion, Sailors who receive an early promote in their most recent periodic evaluation, and Sailors who must meet obligated service requirements for a permanent change of station.

SRB is part of the Navy's continuing efforts to modernize personnel systems and processes under Sailor 2025.

Sailor 2025 is the Navy's program to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow. It is focused on empowering Sailors; updating policies, procedures and operating systems; and providing the right training at the right time in the right way to ensure Sailors are ready for the fleet.

For more information on SRB go to http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/enlistedcareeradmin/Pages/SRB.aspx.

Truman is currently operating in U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations alongside allies and partners in the region.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.