In the latest improvement to Reserve Force modernization efforts, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) is in the beta test phase of a new application utilizing cloud computing, mobile device friendly interfaces and digital capabilities to help modernize Navy Reserve administrative processes and customer interaction. The system, called the Reserve Relationship Management tool, or R2M, will increase the automation, standardization and shared information available to the Reserve Force for managing organizational business relationships — a critical part of the Chief of Navy Reserve’s overall information technology strategy. “The modernization of Navy Reserve equipment as well as its systems is critical to ensure that the Reserve remains interoperable with the active component to be called to do the nation’s bidding whenever and wherever it may so choose,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve, who added that modernization efforts like R2M improve efficiency and lethality throughout the Reserve Force by modernizing administrative practices and aligning with fleet and warfighting requirements. At the user level, R2M promises real-time access to processes that would normally require logging into a Navy computer system or even an in-person trip to a Navy Operational Support center. For Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Richmond, the beta test of the program is already showing merit. “As an example,” said Ens. Raymond Decatur, executive officer of NOSC Richmond. “We had a SELRES traveler whose Defense Travel System (DTS) claim had not moved. The Sailor created a trouble ticket in R2M. We were able to assist the Sailor through the DTS process via the R2M app to resolve his issue without an email, phone call or a visit to the NOSC.” R2M Project Manager Cmdr. Matthew McLauchlin says the new platform will allow Reserve Sailors and NOSC leadership to track tasking and complete many administrative processes without requiring Reservists to physically visit their NOSC. “Enhanced communication and customer service, improved data and reporting and better collaboration and automation of everyday tasks are a few ways R2M is increasing efficiency,” said McLauchlin. “Minimizing administrative delays will directly result in a more agile and lethal Reserve Force.” McLauchlin adds that during the development phase, his team used feedback from Sailors through the Ready To Win (R2W) Idea Portal, with a focus on prioritizing areas that would directly improve the lives of Reservists. So far, R2M features access to a Funeral Honors app allowing increased visibility of upcoming scheduled events, pre-mobilization checklists, drill weekend taskings, resources for applying for Reserve service bonuses, medical retention review status tracking, and access to purchase request forms and unit gains/losses. Administrative interactions entered by Reserve Sailors through R2M will be identified, documented and recorded. The new process will streamline and improve customer service, build an accessible database of best practices to provide quicker solutions to common issues, and allow every Reservist the ability to track his or her completed drills and tasks. “R2M is a very useful and easy to use tool that not only allows transaction transparency for the Sailor, it allows NOSC leadership to track the overall progress and effectiveness of their respective departments,” said Decatur. “I believe as this application becomes fully integrated into the way the Navy Reserve does business, we will see admin turnaround times improve across the Force.” NOSC Richmond and NOSC Schenectady are currently the only two Reserve centers assisting with the beta testing, focusing mainly on the utilization of special request and trouble ticket submissions in the R2M system. But McLauchlin says more NOSCs will be added by the summer as more system capabilities are finalized. For now, Reserve Sailors are encouraged to continue to submit Reserve Force improvement suggestions on the R2W Idea Portal at www.r2w.navy.mil. For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/CNRF
Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.
Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.
Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.
Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.
Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.
Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.
Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.
Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.