Gunner's Blog

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) David Rush, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs



PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Chief Electrician's Mate Robert Cruanes, reactor control division leading chief petty officer stationed aboard USS Bremerton (SSN 698), is slated to receive $100,000 by staying Navy as part of the Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay program.

According to the Navy Personnel Command, nuclear-trained Sailors with at least six years of service but no more than 10 can get as much as $65,000. Sailors eligible for the Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay can get even more, up to $100,000 if they meet the requirements.

The Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay program is separate from the Selective Reenlistment Bonus and is designed to keep senior enlisted supervisors in critical jobs. Those who accept the supervisor bonus are not eligible for the Selective Reenlistment Bonus.

"I would have reenlisted with or without the bonus," Cruanes said. "This was icing on the cake."

As a submariner who holds a nuclear Navy Enlisted Classification
(NEC), Cruanes credits the Navy's latest bonus increase for senior Sailors with addressing the gap the Navy saw in leadership in the 12-17-year career mark.

"It's for the Zone 'C' reenlistment under the Enlisted Supervisors Retention Bonus for the nuclear trained ratings," Cruanes said. "It just started last November."

The ceremony included gifts for those in attendance at his ceremony.

"I was the first one on my boat under this new program," he said. "I gave out $100,000 candy bars to all the people at my reenlistment. I thought they would appreciate that."

According to Cruanes, he has been fortunate to get reenlistment bonuses, and even more fortunate to see them grow over the years.

"The bonuses for the nuclear ratings have always been there since I have been in the Navy, but it seems like they are getting better and better," he said. "My first bonus was $12,000 and for my second I got $60,000. That time we were in the Persian Gulf, so it was tax-free."

Although the bonus was a factor in reenlisting, Cruanes said he loves his job and the camaraderie of submariners.

"I love being in the Navy; there's a sense of doing something worthwhile in my life. Whenever I retire, I can look back and say I made a difference," said Cruanes. "I tell my Sailors the Navy's not for everyone, but I have heard from a lot of my friends who have gotten out of the Navy that they miss the people that they worked with and that they were doing an important job."

For related news, visit the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/subpac.

"I am honored and touched by this award tonight… I have the great pleasure to represent so many men and women who have served or who are currently serving our nation in uniform, and I feel privileged to be able to represent a district with such a rich military foundation."

Washington, D.C.- During a Congressional Reception last night, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones received the prestigious Major Frank M. Tejeda Leadership Award from the Marine Corps Reserve Association Foundation. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Michael Hagee, presented the award to Congressman Jones in honor of his dedication to America’s servicemen and women and their families.

"Congressman Jones has proven he is a friend to the Marines and their families," Commandant Hagee said. "I am happy to present him with this award as a thank you for his concern and activism on behalf of not only the Marines, but of all branches of the military."

The Major Frank M. Tejeda Leadership Award was created eight years ago in honor of Major Tejeda, who at the time of his death in 1997 was a Major in the Marine Corps Reserves and was also a Member of Congress representing Texas. Representative Tejeda was a Vietnam veteran who earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart Medals. The Marine Corps Reserve Association created this award in his honor to recognize leaders who showed the same commitment to the Marines that Congressman Tejeda demonstrated during his life. Past recipients have included Senators Craig Thomas, Zell Miller and Pat Roberts, and Representatives Lane Evans and Curt Weldon.

"I am honored and touched by this award tonight, and I am humbled by the presence of the Commandant, the many Marines, and my fellow Members of Congress who are here with me tonight," Jones said. "I have the great pleasure to represent so many men and women who have served or who are currently serving our nation in uniform, and I feel privileged to be able to represent a district with such a rich military foundation. I only knew Major Tejeda for a couple of years in Congress before he passed, but he was a great man and a great Marine. I feel unworthy of an award named after such a patriot, but I thank you for such a great honor. God Bless America, and particularly our men and women in the Armed Forces."

In addition to Gen. Hagee, other prominent leaders within the Marine Corps were in attendance, including Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. William "Spider" Nyland, Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources LtGen Robert Magnus, as well as the 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Carl E. Mundy and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, John L. Estrada.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.

JONES INTRODUCES LEGISLATION IN SUPPORT OF LT. PANTANO

" 'The ongoing war in Iraq has taken a toll on this nation. Families have been torn apart by the loss of a loved one who has paid the ultimate price in service to their country. Charging Lt. Pantano with murder is not only wrong, but is also detrimental to morale in America.' "

Washington, D.C.- Today, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones introduced House Resolution 167 which, if passed, would express the support of the House of Representatives for Camp Lejeune Marine, 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano. Pantano, while serving in Iraq last April, was forced to shoot and kill two insurgents who posed a threat to his life. Now back at Camp Lejeune, Pantano is facing charges of pre-mediatated murder for actions even his platoon members called self-defense.

The Resolution reads, "Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to Second Lieutenant Ilario Pantano, United States Marine Corps… that Second Lieutenant Ilario Pantano, United States Marine Corps, was defending the cause of freedom, democracy, and liberty in his actions of April 15, 2004, that resulted in the deaths of two suspected Iraqi insurgents and that subsequently have given rise to certain charges against him; and the United States Government should dismiss all charges against Second Lieutenant Ilario Pantano arising from [those] actions."

On February 25th, Congressman Jones wrote a letter to President Bush asking for his support for Lt. Pantano. Representative Jones has been especially concerned that Lt. Pantano’s situation may cause further questioning about the war in Iraq and may even lead some potential enlistees to second-guess their decision. He also worries that the accusations against Pantano could cause other Marines to question their own future actions thereby endangering both their own lives and the success of the war on terror.

" 'The ongoing war in Iraq has taken a toll on this nation. Families have been torn apart by the loss of a loved one who has paid the ultimate price in service to our country,' "Jones wrote in his letter to the President. " 'Charging Lt. Pantano with murder is not only wrong, but is also detrimental to morale in America. This sends a potentially flawed message to those considering enlisting in the military.' "



For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.

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