Transferring to a new assignment can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. With the help of the Personnel department aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Sailors are getting all the help they need for a smooth transition.

Once a Sailor gets their Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, Personnel will make contact with the Sailor so they can fill out all the appropriate paperwork.

"Whenever a Sailor has received their orders, we send them an email to come to us," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Jones. "We encourage Sailors to come to us for any issues that may arise to make sure the PCS process goes as smooth as possible."

Sailors are required to have a packet with their updated emergency contacts, Service Member Group Life Insurance, a Transfer Information Sheet (TIS), a check-out sheet, a transfer evaluation report, and a copy of their orders to their next command.

Once the service member has turned in and updated their information through Personnel, the service member is in a pending status, this is when they are encouraged to start their checkout process.

"The process for PCS takes time, and procrastination can lead to Sailors unable to leave on their transfer date," said Jones. "It's imperative that Sailors get a running start when it comes to transferring off the ship."

Some issues that Sailors run into is asking for travel advancements, government funds used to assist Sailors in travel needs, months ahead of their travel date.

"What we don't want Sailors to run into is getting the travel advancements and spending it before their transition to their next duty station," said Jones. "That's why Sailors can only receive their travel advancements 10 days before their transfer date."

No matter what incidents or issues Sailors run into, Personnel is ready to assist so Sailors have a stress free PCS move.

"I had absolutely no issues when it came to transferring," said Quartermaster Seaman Katherine Knipple. "They helped me fill out my TIS and my check-out sheet and soon I'll be on my way to my next command."

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