PCS Checklist

Before Arrival

  • Start saving money! PCSing here requires access to a lot of cash upfront for TLA payments, security deposits, etc. See more under “What to Bring” and “Housing.” Fleet and Family Support Center can also provide support in the form of small loans. Contact FFSC for more information.
  • Contact your new command to request a sponsor. Notify them of your Estimated Date of Arrival.
  • Request a spouse sponsor to support your transition
  • Complete Overseas Screening (dependents have 60 days to complete it). A message should have been sent to your sailor’s current command. The command will provide a form (NAVMED 1300/2) to complete this process.
  • Apply for Passports. Dependents will need “No Fee” Official Passports; these are the passports that will be sent to get your visa. All family members, including the sailor, should also have regular tourist passports. You are required to have tourist passports to travel throughout Europe and you will be asked to present them when checking into hotels.
  • Arrange for travel. When your Visas come through, the travel office at your current command station will assist you in arranging for travel. Once your travel is arranged notify your sponsor so they can assist in arranging transportation from the airport.
  • Research schools. See our School Page for more information and contact other parents on Living Abroad Gaeta to learn about local school options.
  • Notify schools of impending disenrollment of children
  • Make an appointment with the Personal Property Office to schedule your shipments. You can have two shipments over seas-a faster shipment of smaller items and your main household goods shipment. Items in the fast shipment must be smaller (no furniture) and are items you would need right away such as bed linens, towels, kitchen items, etc.
  • Arrange for shipment of POV to Naples. Apply for overseas insurance from Geico or USAA.
  • If you plan to bring any pets, apply for an International Health Certificate (DD Form 2209) and  Rabies Vaccination Certificate to prove that they have been vaccinated for no more than 11 months or not less than 30 days prior to departure. Additionally, and Import Certificate must accompany them and be completed by a U.S. Federal Veterinarian.
  • Notify your local Post Office, Federal and State Income Tax Bureaus, credit card companies, mail order companies, magazines, etc. of your change of address.
  • Book lodging for TLA. If you are going to be arriving during the summer time, it is recommended to book well in advance as hotels are very busy here during that time.
  • Join the Living Abroad Gaeta page and like the Gaeta FRG page on Facebook
  • Email the ombudsman and FRG to let them know when you will be arriving

After Arrival

  • Make sure sailor checks in with command. If the sailor is on the Mount Whitney and they are out of port, the sailor will check in with the MTW Beach Det.
  • Enroll children in schools
  • Schedule an Area Orientation with Fleet and Family Support Center
  • Register with Tricare in order to be assigned a primary care manager
  • Apply for sojourner permit and codice fiscale (your sponsor can direct you to the appropriate office on base to do this)
  • Make an appointment with housing
  • Study European road signs and take your driver’s test
  • Attend an FRG meeting to meet other spouses in the community