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Freedom of Information Act

Introduction

The FOIA (5 U.S.C. ยง 552) allows members of the public to obtain copies of existing records from the Federal government. FOIA is implemented in the Department of the Navy (DON) through Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5720.42G.

This page provides information on making a FOIA request to commands within the Naval Air Training Command, with links to DON, other Department of Defense (DoD), and U.S. Government FOIA resources (see below).

Step 1: Preparing Your Request

  1. Your request should state: "This is a Freedom of Information Act Request."
  2. Describe the specific record(s) you are seeking with enough detail so that a knowledgeable agency official can locate the record(s) with a reasonable amount of effort. Details should include descriptive information, time frame to be searched, full names and any other information that may assist in identifying the subject of the request.
  3. Because most Navy records are not retained permanently, the more information provided, the better opportunity there is to determine if the records still exist and where. The FOIA clearly states that records must exist at the time of the request. Agencies are not required to create a record to comply with your request.
  4. The FOIA does not require agencies to answer questions, venture opinions, or conduct independent inquires to satisfy queries from the public. Please ensure that your request asks for records, not answers to questions.
  5. The FOIA authorizes agencies to estimate and collect fees associated with the search for, review and duplication of federal records. State your willingness to pay all fees or those fees up to a specified amount, and of applicable, provide supporting information or documentation to justify a fee waiver.
  6. Be sure to include your name and contact information, to include email address, complete mailing address, and telephone number.

Step 2: Submitting Your Request

If the records you seek are held by the Chief of Naval Air Training or if you are not sure where to submit your request, you may use any of the following methods to submit a FOIA request.

  1. Submit your request in writing to:

    Chief of Naval Air Training
    Code N00D (FOIA)
    250 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 102
    Corpus Christi, TX 78419-5041
  2. Submit your request via FAX to 1-361-961-4450.
  3. Submit your request via the web to our FOIA Coordinator.
  4. Submit your request via the DON FOIA Online program.

If the records you seek are not held by the Chief of Naval Air Training, your request will be forwarded to the DON component(s) most likely to have records meeting your description.

Step 3: Processing Your Request

When a DON activity receives a "perfected" FOIA request, they will send an acknowledgement letter to the requester (via mail, email, fax, etc.) within 3 business days. The acknowledgement will provide the requester with the date the request was received, a case tracking number, and a point of contact and telephone number to address any questions.

Requests that are not "perfected" will be responded to within 10 working days, apprising the requester of what additional information is needed to "perfect" the request.

To ensure fair and equitable treatment, FOIA requests are placed in a multi-track "first-in, first-out," queue. This command operates a three-track system: one for simple requests, one for complex requests and one for expedited requests. By narrowly focusing your request, you can assist us to more quickly and thoroughly process your request.

You will receive a response to your request. Please keep in mind that the 20 working day time limit begins when the activity holding the record(s) receives your request and does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays.

Step 4: Appeals

You may appeal any denial of records. Your appeal must be postmarked within 90 calendar days of the date of the denial letter. At a minimum, an appeal letter should address the following:

  1. Why the denial may be in error, and
  2. Reason(s) why your appeal should be granted.

You should include a copy of your original request and a copy of the response letter denying you information. It is recommended you clearly mark your letter and the envelope "Freedom of Information Act Appeal."

Appellate authorities for the DON are the Office of General Counsel and the Office of the Judge Advocate General.

For FOIA matters pertaining to business commercial law, civilian personnel issues, and environmental matters, please submit your appeal to:

Office of the General Counsel
720 Kennon Street SE Room 214
Washington Navy Yard DC 20374-5012

For FOIA matters pertaining to military law and all other matters except those falling under the General Counsel, please submit your appeal to:

Office of the Judge Advocate General
General Litigation Division (Code 14)
1332 Patterson Ave SE Suite 3000
Washington Navy Yard DC 20374-5066

You may also contact the DON's FOIA Public Liaison at DONFOIAPublicLiaison@navy.mil or (703) 697-0031, for any further assistance and to discuss any aspect of your request.

Additionally, you may contact the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration to inquire about the FOIA mediation services they offer. The contact information for OGIS is as follows: Office of Government Information Services, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road-OGIS, College Park, Maryland 20740-6001, e-mail at ogis@nara.gov; telephone at (202)741-5770; toll free at 1(877)684-6448; or facsimile at (202)741-5769.

Office of Government Information Services
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road-OGIS
College Park, Maryland 20740-6001

ogis@nara.gov
Phone: (877) 684-6448
Fax: (202) 741-5769

Additional FOIA Resources

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