Per Diem Entitlements for Stopover at Port of Debarkation

A naval member's entitlement to per diem payments for a stopover at the port of debarkation incident to a transfer from overseas to the United States was questioned. Per diem for the day of debarkation under other conditions was also questioned. The member's delay was reasonable based on the late hour, unavailability of flights, and impracticality of travel by private vehicle. Per diem may be authorized for the day of debarkation when no further travel is performed but commercial transportation is available if the member's delay or stopover meets the test of reasonableness. A member is not entitled to per diem for the day of debarkation when the port of debarkation is the permanent duty station and the member takes leave away from or at the port of debarkation.