FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016
Eye on the Fleet
north sea
VOL. 27 NO. 16
WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA
SAAPM: Let’s ‘chalk’ about sexual assault (April 25, 2016) BM2 Allen Gashwytewa leads a security reaction force team down a ladderwell aboard USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) during security reaction force training. Donald Cook, an Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyer, forward deployed to Rota, Spain is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Mat Murch
inside: LIKE JERRY Habit forming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 IN THE SPOTLIGHT Military spouses . . . . . . . . . . 3 THUMBS UP Drowning prevention. . . . . . 4 YOUTH FEST Dependent fun. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 TOP OF PAGE ONE: A T-45C Goshawk, assigned to Training Air Wing (TW) 1, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
By MC3 Cody Babin Southernmost Flyer
S
ailors assigned to Naval Air Station Key West hit the pavement for the “Let’s Chalk About Sexual Assault” event, which capped April’s Sexual Assault and Prevention Month. Sailors chalked the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess parking lot on Boca Field with messages of strength. The words inscribed were “you’re not alone,” and “there is help” as well as blue ribbons. NAS Key West Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Jessica Kushon coordinated the event alongside NAS Key West’s uniformed victim advocates and the Coalition of
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cody Babin
Sailors gather at Naval Air Station Key West’s Chief Petty Officers Mess on Boca Chica Field Friday to write words of support during a ‘Let’s Chalk About Sexual Assault’ activity. Sailors Against Destructive Decisions. “The purpose of this event is to use our creativity to send messages of hope to those who have been affect-
ed by sexual assault,” said Kushon. “The focus is to come together as a group and have a fun alternative way of learning about messages of healing and recov-
ery from the effects of sexual assault.” In the “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” campaign, NAS Key West and tenants logged 1,647.15 miles. Fleet
Readiness Center took first place in the command, logging 406.1 miles. ACC Chris Ollinger was first in the individual category with 112 miles.
Resources available to help Sailors battling alcohol abuse From NAS Key West Public Affairs
H
aving an alcoholic beverage is not uncommon among adults, civilian and military alike. But when drinking starts to affect an individual’s behavior, health and lifestyle then there’s a
problem. The Navy’s observation of April’s Alcohol Awareness Month includes a campaign called “Keep What You’ve Earned.” Established in 2013, it is designed to encourage responsible drinking among Sailors by focusing on the accomplishments in their Navy
careers. Alcohol abuse is a nationwide problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 34 percent of drinkers consume five or more alcoholic beverages in a short amount of time. Furthermore, according to a survey conducted in 2014 the number of alco-
holic liver disease deaths was 18,146 and the number of alcohol-induced deaths, excluding accidents and homicides was 29,001. Service members face unique situations many health professionals warn could lead to alcohol abuse later. Deployments, separation from loved ones, and
hazardous duty are among the stressors that most personnel face. But health professionals warn against treating such stress with alcohol. Military Pathways, a joint Department of Defense and Screening for Mental see dapa page 2