On March 1st, 2005, Chief Electricians Mate Robert Cruanes, Reactor Control Division Leading Chief Petty Officer stationed aboard USS Bremerton (SSN 698), signed on to stay Navy. In doing so, he is slated to get $100,000.

In the Navy for 11 years, Cruanes said he would have reenlisted regardless of the amount. “I reenlisted at the Bowfin Museum on March 1st and I will get a reenlistment bonus of $100,000. I would have re-enlisted with or without the bonus. I made Chief last September and had already decided that if I made chief I would stay in the Navy. This was icing on the cake,” said Cruanes.

As a submariner who holds a nuclear NEC, Cruanes credits the Navy’s latest bonus increase for senior Sailors to the gap the Navy saw in leadership in the 12-17-year career mark. “It’s for the Zone ‘C’ reenlistment under the Enlisted Supervisors Retention Bonus for the nuclear trained ratings.  It just started last November,” Cruanes said.  

The ceremony included gifts for those in attendance at his ceremony. “I was the first one on my boat under this new program. I gave out $100,000 candy bars to all the people at my reenlistment. I thought they would appreciate that.”

According to Cruanes, he has been fortunate to get reenlistment bonuses, and even more fortunate to see them grow over the years. “The bonuses for the nuclear ratings have always been there since I have been in the Navy, but it seems like they are getting better and better. My first bonus was $12,000 and for my second I got $60,000. That time we were in the (Arabian) Gulf so it was tax-free,” said Cruanes.  

According to the Navy Personnel Command, nuclear-trained Sailors can get the biggest bonus for reenlisting. Those with at least six years of service but no more than 10 can get as much as $65,000. Sailors eligible for the Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay can get even more, up to $100,000 if they meet the requirements.