Naval Education and Training Command announced 16 Navy College Offices (NCO) in the continental United States will close Oct. 1, as part of a restructuring effort to increase virtual and self-service options to Sailors.

"We are continuously looking to make changes and improvements that will enhance education opportunities to our Sailors," said Rear Adm. Mike White, commander, NETC. "Our young Sailors today are more technologically advanced and adaptive to change. Our goal is to provide them the access to tools and information when and where they need it."

The following NCOs will close Oct. 1: Bethesda, Maryland; New London, Connecticut; Little Creek, Virginia; Pensacola; Charleston, South Carolina; Gulfport, Mississippi; Kings Bay, Georgia; Ventura County, California; Coronado, California; Lemoore, California; Fallon, Nevada; Whidbey Island, Washington; Everett, Washington; Great Lakes; Millington, Tennessee; Corpus Christi, Texas.

To help with this transition, the Navy will keep four NCOs open for an additional year in the fleet concentration areas of Norfolk, San Diego, Jacksonville, Florida, and Kitsap, Washington. They will be open until Sept. 30, 2017.

There will be no effect on the 11 overseas NCOs in Atsugi, Japan; Guam; Misawa, Japan; Sasebo, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; Bahrain; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Rota, Spain; Sigonella, Sicily; Naples, Italy; and Pearl Harbor.

This new structure will make counseling and tuition assistance accessible for all Sailors in the continental U.S. through a combination of virtual services that they can access at times and places of their choosing that is most convenient to them.

Additionally, Navy regional advisors will be established at four Navy regions to support and advise installation commanding officers, and facilitate access for academic institutions to operate on base.

"We are committed to providing the right resources for our Sailors," said White. "This will not impact Tuition Assistance or impact any Sailor who wishes to advance their education."

For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.