What is the role of the Ombudsman?

• A. Provide financial counseling to members in their command.
• B. Advise the CO/XO on drug and alcohol abuse aboard ship.
• C. Link between the command and families of command personnel.
• D. Used to notify the National Command Authorities about nuclear incidents.

Answer: (C)

The Ombudsman serves as a liaison between the command and the families of command personnel, bridging communication and connecting families with the resources they need. Their primary role is to listen to family concerns, relay information to leadership, and help ensure timely, accurate updates—especially during deployments, emergencies, or base changes. This position supports family readiness and morale by keeping lines of communication open and ensuring families aren’t left in the dark. The other tasks described belong to separate programs: financial counseling is provided by Fleet and Family Support resources, drug and alcohol program guidance is handled by appropriate Navy programs (like the DAPA and related services), and notifying national authorities about nuclear incidents falls under national emergency and security channels, not the Ombudsman.