Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is continuing to expand hours in its child development centers and fitness centers to include 10 additional Navy installations by March and expects a roll-out to all installations by December.

In April, CNIC implemented a pilot program to provide greater services to support Sailors and their families at three installations. These installations were chosen because of the highest concentration of personnel with work requirements beyond the normal work day. The program was implemented first at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, Joint Expeditionary Base in Little Creek, Virginia, and Naval Base Coronado in San Diego.

"The need has been identified to extend hours to give families a better opportunity for things like flexible work schedules, more opportunities for education, fitness opportunities and things of that nature," said Greg Young, Navy Child and Youth Program director.

CNIC will continue to roll out expanded hours at other installations with the goal of being complete by the end of this year in accordance with secretary of the Navy's (SECNAV) Talent Management Initiative release in June, 2015.

The 10 additional locations are:
- Naval Support Activity Midsouth, Millington, Tennessee
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida
- Naval Base Coronado, California
- Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada
- Submarine Base New London, Connecticut
- Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia
- Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan
- Naval Technical Training Command Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida
- Metro San Diego Child Development Home Program (select homes)

"We are expanding now to 10 additional locations based on the pilots we have been running," said Young. "We are opening those locations up to 14 hours per day from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. based on utilization from initial pilot sites."

Demand will be monitored to determine if there is a need to go up to 16 hours, added Young.

"Approximately one fourth of the enrolled families have been using the extended hours," said Young. "Between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. are the most utilized."

CNIC has already extended the hours of their fitness centers at all their installations. The centers are authorized to be open up to 118 hours a week to meet customer demand since October.

"Right now that program is considered fully implemented," said James Baker, CNIC's Fleet Readiness Program director. "We are meeting the Navy's Talent Management Initiative set forth by SECNAV to make sure the facilities are open to satisfy the customer's demands."

CNIC is responsible for operations and maintenance of shore installations worldwide and quality of life programs to support the fleet, fighter and family. With more than 40,000 civilian and military employees operating 70 installations under 11 regions, the Navy's shore enterprise ensures requirements necessary to train and operate the Navy's fleet are maintained and ready; that naval installations are able to facilitate the manning, training and equipping of the Navy's fighting force; and supports Navy families through Family and Community Services programs.

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/.