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Sailors of the past have often dealt with the woes of becoming a parent after the birth or adoption of a child knowing they will have to return to work after only 21 days of paternal leave.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Anthony Tharp, a father of three aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), said it was hard coming back to work after such a short period of time after the birth of each of his children. Especially on his wife.
“I really wish I could have had more time with my kids when they were babies,” said Tharp. “Moms and dads are both so important to a baby’s development during the first couple of months.”
However, a new NAVADMIN has recently been announced that will increase parental leave time for secondary caregivers and birth parents.
Effective December 27, 2022, NAVADMIN 008/23 now implements 12 weeks of non-chargeable leave for all active component members. In the event of a live birth, 12 weeks of non-chargeable leave is authorized for the birth parent and non-birth parent. For the birth parent, the 12 weeks is in addition to convalescent leave authorized by a medical provider and by a member’s commanding officer.
“I believe the importance of extending the parental leave policy is because newborns need a lot of attention the first few months of life,” said Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Junior Macias, a new father aboard IKE. “Not only from the mothers, but from their fathers as well.”
Parents may also take their leave in increments of at least seven days, and can receive additional parental leave for multiple qualifying events if there is at least 72 hours between the events according to npr.org.
“This time off means a huge amount to me knowing my wife will have a lot less to worry about in terms of help and support,” said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Conor Flood, an expecting father aboard IKE. “The time off will also allow me help carry my equal weight getting my wife back on her feet all while having those first precious moments together.”
Qualifying events that makes a Sailor eligible for paternal leave include giving birth to one or more children, adopting a minor child, having a minor child placed with the service member for adoption or long-term foster care, or a combination of any of these events as long as the leave is used within a one-year period.
“I think it is awesome that the Navy is recognizing the importance of giving Sailors more time at home with their new child because they understand that the development of a newborn is extremely crucial in the first few months of life, and because of that I am beyond excited that my wife, who is also active duty, as well as myself get to make use of this new policy change,” said Macias.
Being present in a baby’s life during the first few months as it is instrumental to their development and health.
“I feel the long-term effects of giving Sailors more time with their new child would be a huge boost to family stability among Sailors,” said Flood. “Letting the child imprint and have contact with the parents during this critical time would greatly impact the positive mentality of the Sailor, and help the child bond and grow faster.”
Tharp, Macias, Flood, and other service members alike agree that this was a much needed change to the previous policy, as it now gives Navy parents and their families the much needed time at home with their new little loved ones.
For more information on NAVADMIN 008/23 visit www.mynavyhr.navy.mil.
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2023 16:04 |
| Story ID: | 438798 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, More Parental Leave for IKE Parents, by PO2 Cameron Pinske, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
