Ombudsman Program

The Navy Family Ombudsman Program supports mission readiness by enhancing family resilience. Resilient families allow Sailors to focus on their work and their command's mission. Although the Navy recruits Sailors, it retains families. Families that are satisfied with the Navy lifestyle are more likely to choose "stay Navy". 

There are currently more than 2,000 ombudsmen volunteering their services with Navy commands. With many working 10 or more hours per week, this represents a huge cost savings to the Navy than if these were paid positions.

Ombudsmen are volunteers appointed by a commanding officer to serve as an information link between command leadership and command families. 

Ombudsman Support Program

• Provide information and referral to assist families with concerns or issues.
• Regularly communicate and distribute information to and from the command and the unit’s family members.
• Keep the command informed regarding the overall health, morale and welfare of the families in the command.

Ombudsman Assemblies

• Provide advanced trainings on a variety of topics to enhance Ombudsman knowledge and response capabilities.
• Allows for the command to share new policies and procedures, assess specific command issues that may be impacting Navy families, and provide an opportunity for Ombudsman to share concerns or ask questions related to the program.
• Assembly meetings are scheduled bimonthly.

2022 Asssembly Dates

• January 12 - Virtual Meeting - 6-7:30 p.m.
• March 9 - Hybrid Meeting (In-person & Virtual) - 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• May 11 - Virtual Meeting - 6-7:30 p.m.
• July 13 - Virtual Meeting - 6-7:30 p.m.
• September 7 - Hybrid Meeting (In-person & Virtual) - 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information about the next assembly or Ombudsman program, contact our Coordinator at 202-685-8413.

If you would like to contact your command's Ombudsman, please click here.