About this Unit
EPMAC (Enlisted Personnel Management Center), located in New Orleans, Louisiana, was established in 1972 as part of the United States Navy’s effort to centralize and modernize enlisted personnel management. Its primary mission was to assign and distribute enlisted sailors to billets around the world, ensuring optimal manning and readiness for fleet operations. Throughout its history, EPMAC played a crucial role in supporting Navy operations by leveraging personnel data and advanced systems to match sailors’ skills with the Navy's needs. In 2005, as part of broader military restructuring, EPMAC was realigned and its functions were eventually integrated into the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The Enlisted Personnel Management Center (EPMAC) was established in 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to centralize and streamline Navy enlisted manpower management.
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Mission: EPMAC's primary mission was to ensure the assignment, distribution, and management of over 300,000 active duty and selected reserve enlisted sailors worldwide.
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Hurricane Katrina: EPMAC’s operations were significantly disrupted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The staff aided in rescue and recovery efforts, and operations were temporarily relocated before returning to New Orleans.
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Technological Advancements: EPMAC was a pioneer in adopting automated personnel management systems, transitioning from manual card files to advanced computer databases in the 1980s and 1990s.
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Integration with NPC: In 2009, EPMAC was officially disestablished and its functions were integrated into Navy Personnel Command (NPC), marking the end of an era for the New Orleans-based unit.
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Impact on Sailors’ Careers: EPMAC assignments directly affected the career progression and personal lives of thousands of sailors, making it a critical yet often unsung part of Navy life.
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Reserve Management: EPMAC was responsible for managing assignments for both active duty and Selected Reserve (SELRES) sailors, ensuring Naval Reserve readiness.
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Community Involvement: EPMAC staff were actively involved in New Orleans community events, including local parades and city improvement projects, strengthening Navy-community relations.
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Post-Katrina Rebuilding: After Hurricane Katrina, EPMAC played a key role in the military’s broader effort to aid and rebuild New Orleans, with many staff volunteering in relief operations.
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Legacy: Though EPMAC no longer exists as a standalone command, its innovative personnel management practices continue to influence Navy human resources operations to this day.
