BANGOR, Wash. - On March 27, 2013, the Seabees of Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 Detachment Bangor, Wash., celebrated an unprecedented anniversary of three consecutive years free from alcohol-related incidents (ARI).
In 1996, the Department of the Navy launched the Right Spirit campaign, aimed at deglamorizing alcohol and preventing alcohol abuse in the Navy. The successful campaign has reduced alcohol abuse each year, yet ARI’s remain a serious problem in today’s Navy. The Seabees in Bangor have been living the campaign’s ideals to the fullest.
Three years ago, the ‘Bees from CBMU 303, Detachment Bangor received the unfortunate news that one of their own was a victim of alcohol abuse.
The devastating information served as an eye-opener for them. The reaction to the news was swift: training on responsible use occurred, the level of trust and mutual care was raised, and the bonds of shipmates were strengthened.
The Seabees made a commitment to each other, and decided to apply their iconic motto “Can do” to all aspects of their lives. That was the last time an ARI occurred at CBMU 303 Detachment Bangor.
Officer in charge Builder Senior Chief Petty Officer John Scroggs, acknowledged that such success could not have been achieved without an extremely good group of people.
“I am not the one who has kept the streak going, they are the ones that keep it going” he said.
Several important factors contributed to this amazing achievement.
The unit’s training department did an excellent job intensifying training sessions and developing efficient ways to get the message across.
Electrician (Aviation) 1st Class (SCW) Michael Milton, who served as both the Drug and Alcohol Program adviser and the training officer at the time, said, “It was all about intrusive leadership. We encouraged everyone to be involved and be responsible, starting at the fire team level."
The leadership team played a crucial role in this accomplishment by being available to the junior troops, mentoring, and being supportive.
Assistant officer in charge Builder Chief Petty Officer Kimberly Gibson said, “I often get asked, ‘What’s the magic in Bangor?’ Well, we’re not doing anything different from the rest of the Navy. We have phone cards and taxi cards, and we talk about having a plan just like everyone else. Our success comes from the strength of character of the men and women who serve here, and the trust that the first class petty officers have earned from their sailors. It’s one thing to say ‘call me if you need help’ and quite another to develop the relationship that fosters the trust and confidence that makes a person dial the phone.”
At the heart of this impressive, unprecedented streak are the sailors. The Seabees concentrate on taking care of each other, and monitoring one another.
Yeoman Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Karr attributes the success to following three basic rules he said, “We end every liberty brief with our AOIC’s expectations of be safe, be smart, and take care of each other. It’s as simple as that. Every person here knows that somebody will come help them if they ask for it.”
The three years free from alcohol-related incidents is an outstanding achievement which created a more productive environment, and emphasized mission readiness and healthier workers.
The extraordinary accomplishment is a great example for every other unit in the Navy, and a source of pride for the troops.
Newly reported personnel find the road already paved, and they work hard to continue what was started.
“It’s just awesome to be part of this. I think we are the only unit in the Navy that can say that right now,” said Builder Petty Officer 3rd Class Andru Dunsford, who reported to Bangor in January 2013.
“It makes me proud to be part of this unit, and want to work to keep the streak going,” he said.
Mechanic Constructionman Dylan Hale said, “The fact that we have three years without any ARIs shows that we are a tight unit and are willing to help each other out. It makes me proud of my unit and defines the right path for me to follow.”
CBMU 303 Detachment Bangor is dedicated to its people and the mission. The Seabees persistently work hard while adhering to the Navy’s core values. Their conduct has been exemplary, and has helped the sailors and the command achieve greatness.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2013 15:59 |
| Story ID: | 104643 |
| Location: | BANGOR, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Seabees celebrate 3 years free of ARI, by CPO Kimberly Gibson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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