[Navy Member's Request for Waiver of Debt for Advanced Travel Expenses]

A Navy officer requested waiver of his indebtedness for advanced travel expenses, contending that he was entitled to per diem expenses, since he: (1) did not receive a written copy of his modified orders until 2 months after his orders were changed; and (2) took all possible steps to avoid the erroneous payment. GAO held that the: (1) Navy officer was verbally notified of his new permanent duty station 10 days after his orders were changed; (2) delayed receipt of the officer's written orders was immaterial; (3) Navy officer was not entitled to per diem at his permanent duty station after official notice of the change in his duty station; and (4) Navy officer did not take all possible steps to resolve the matter and was not entitled to waiver of his indebtedness. Accordingly, the waiver was denied.