Navy Family Ombudsmen are valuable assets in facilitating communication between command leadership and family members, fostering a better understanding of the needs and viewpoints of the command staff members and their families. U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa is fortunate to have an Ombudsman team that provides information and assistance to all members assigned to the command and their family members. Please see the below message from our team!

"An Ombudsman is an appointed representative of the commanding officer that serves as an
information link between command leadership and the command's families."

We are an official command representative and a point of contact for family members connected to CNE-CNA. As Ombudsmen, we help the commanding officer gain insight on the pulse of family members and issues of concern. We disseminate information both up and down the chain of command, including official Navy and command information. We can provide resource referrals when needed that are instrumental in resolving family issues before they require extensive command attention.

Remember: Family Readiness = Mission Readiness!

Our Core Responsibilities:

We act as an advocate for the command families using knowledge of the system. We provide access tot he appropriate level of the chain of command for necessary intervention, forward grievances or suitable requests, and assist during a crisis or disaster all while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Below are a few examples of when to call your Ombudsman team:

                    Resource and referral                         Red Cross messages
                    Death in the family                              Financial matters
                    At-risk pregnancy                                Birth in the family
                    Hospitalization                                    POC during crisis or disaster

As ombudsmen, our role is to serve as an impartial and confidential resource to help you navigate and resolve issues. While we do not act as mediators, counselors, or social workers, and we do not intervene in formal chain of command matters, we are able to provide referrals to the appropriate resources for those specific needs.

Ombudsmen Reportables:
 

While it is part of the Ombudsman Code of Ethics to maintain confidentiality, there are five instances that require immediate action and MUST be reported to the commanding officer:

                    1.  All known or suspected child abuse/neglect
                    2.  Known or alleged domestic abuse
                    3.  Suspected/potential homicides, violence, or life-endangering situations for yourself or others
                    4.  All suspected/potential suicide risks
                    5.  All alleged sexual assaults

We have received extensive training, allowing us to assist families in times of crisis and emergency. We can direct you in your course of action and contact the command if necessary or in case of emergency.

Contact Information:

We can be reached via phone and e-mail, both of which are listed below. If you are new to the command, WELCOME ABOARD! Please contact your Ombudsman team so we can add you to our Ombudsman recall roster. This will enable you to receive command updates and other information of importance to our families. If you have been here for a while and are not receiving information from us via e-mail or through social media, please contact us so we can update our records.

We hope you enjoy your tour with U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa! If we can ever be of assistance to you or your family, do not hesitate to call.

Don't wait for an emergency to get to know your Ombudsmen!

                    Cell: +39-334-621-3739
                    E-mail: naveurnavafombudsman@gmail.com