WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor program will realign from Total Force Requirements Division (OPNAV N12) to Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) effective Oct. 1.
Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor provides non-medical assistance to seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families. The program will become N95, a department of Fleet and Family Readiness Program (N9) within CNIC.
"Caring for our wounded warriors is among the Navy's top priorities and I am extremely honored to assume responsibility for such a critically important program," said Vice Adm. William D. French, commander, Navy Installations Command. "Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor joins a host of other programs within N9 providing essential support to the fleet, fighter, and family."
Although the program is moving to a new command, its mission and operations will remain intact. The program's goal is to enable service members to focus on getting well, while its team of experts resolves pressing non-medical concerns and prepares enrollees for transition back to active duty or civilian life.
The realignment will help Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor better leverage existing services available at Navy installations throughout the world, including child care, financial management training, housing assistance and adaptive sports.
"The vision of Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor is to provide the gold-standard of non-medical care to wounded warriors and their families who have sacrificed a great deal while serving our country," said Capt. Steve Hall, program director. "Our realignment with CNIC will grant us wider access to programs and resources that will help us achieve that vision."
The move marks the launch of the new Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor call center, a crucial resource for seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen inquiring about enrollment in the program. The new toll-free, 24-hour telephone number is 1-855-NAVY WWP/1-855-628-9997.
Enrollment is available to service members wounded in combat, as well as to those diagnosed with a serious illness or injured in shipboard, training and liberty accidents. Currently, more than 915 Sailors and Coast Guardsmen are enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor. The program also provides support to more than 875 additional service members who don't qualify for enrollment but still require assistance.
Care for wounded warriors is a key component of the Department of the Navy's 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative, which is designed to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency, and hone the most combat-effective force.
For more information, call 1-855-NAVY WWP/1-855-628-9997, visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil or email safeharbor@navy.mil.
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.