Sailors from the region and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) participated in a meeting with the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) Aug. 22 to discuss the Navy’s Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) program, at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton.
Adm. Mark Ferguson and Fleet Master Chief April Beldo met with Sailors from commands throughout Navy Region Northwest to discuss CSADD’s goals for the fleet, SAPR initiatives and what the Navy could do for CSADD to help improve their program.
“Our goal is to set a positive environment,” said Ferguson. “Our Sailors make the first steps by joining CSADD and I want to make sure we’re listening and doing everything we can for them.”
The Navy-wide CSADD program was created three years ago to promote better decision making and encourage networking among junior Sailors around the fleet.
“The Navy receives 35,000 to 40,000 new Sailors a year, so we need to continue to inform our newest members on what kinds of opportunities are out there to help themselves, their shipmates and their community,” said Ferguson.
The president of Stennis’ CSADD program appreciated the VCNO visiting the base to hear what junior Sailors have to say.
“By the VCNO coming out to visit us, it shows that he cares and has an interest in the voice of junior enlisted Sailors,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Fuel 2nd Class Joe Hodge, from Detroit.
CSADD, created on June 18, 2010, creates a culture in which Sailors help Sailors maintain a course of success through good decision making.
Stennis is currently undergoing a Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) maintenance period at PSNS and IMF.
[mappress] Press Release, August 26, 2013; Image: US Navy