NORFOLK, Va. — The Navy is taking a modest, but much-needed step to improve sailors' quality of life.
Following at least nine suicides in 2022 and 2023, the Navy became laser-focused on how to improve the quality of life and quality of service for sailors.
In surveys, the Navy asked sailors directly: What could be done to improve their quality of life?
One answer that came back repeatedly was better wi-fi. And so now, they're getting it.
Starting in February, the Navy is rolling out a pilot program at 12 permanent party unaccompanied housing complexes at Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Sailors will be able to access free high-speed wireless internet in their rooms and in common areas.
Navy Installations Command Force Master Chief Jason Dunn said the upgrade should improve sailors' experience in the Navy, contribute to mission readiness, and help with retention.
"In the wake of some of these tragic things, we've taken a look internally of what we can do to take care of our sailors," said Dunn, during an interview with 13 News Now on Thursday.
He added: "Our CNO [Chief of Naval Operations], Admiral [Lisa] Francehtti, is very focused on quality of service and quality of life for our sailors."
Hospital Corpsman Third Class Kasey Reynolds is excited to hear about the improvement and said she is happy to learn she won't have to pay $40 a month for wi-fi access anymore.
"I think it will improve the life in the barracks immensely, being able to game. Video games are very popular nowadays, so I think having free wi-fi is one less thing a sailor has to worry about," she said.
The pilot program will run through the end of September, at which time the Navy will assess its success, based largely on sailor usage of the free wi-fi, and the feedback they provide about their experience.
A 200-page report from U.S. Fleet Forces Command in May, 2023, found that poor wi-fi was one of many complaints from sailors. Also included were parking, transportation, and access to food and nutritional options.
The report said: "This directly contributed to poor sailor quality of service and morale.
The report spells out 48 corrective actions.
A second document studying the suicides, "Setting a Course for Sailor Quality of Life", stated sailors "deserve a strategy for strengthening their mental and physical health."
It said that sailors deserve to have "convenient access to free, high-speed wi-fi."
Since 2017, the Navy has lost 452 active-duty sailors and 62 reservists to suicide according to U.S. Fleet Forces Command.