George Washington CSADD supports cultural event

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

12.12.2013

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liam Kennedy

YOKOSUKA, Japan – The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) and other regional chapters held a multicultural event, aboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan Dec. 11.

CSADD is an organization of sailors ranging from the pay grades of E-1 to E-5 that take a unique approach to mentor and train junior sailors to help prevent them from making destructive decisions and provide an alternative to drinking.

“I am a huge fan of their positive message,” said Rear Adm. Terry Kraft, commander, Naval Forces Japan and Navy Region Japan. “They always get together and have fun while promoting a positive message to young sailors.”

During the CSADD event, a bounce house, foam jousting, sumo wrestling, rock climbing wall, Japanese calligraphy lessons sponsored by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and sports such as soccer, football and volleyball were offered to Japanese civilians and military.

“The cultural portion comes from the JMSDF and their calligraphy lessons as well as Japanese civilian participation,” said Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Benjamin O’Bryan, from Lexington, Ky., George Washington CSADD chapter president. “The goal was to bring all of the chapters together as a team.”

Guests at the event included Kraft and Senior Chief Navy Counselor Kim Covington, regional CSADD coordinator.

“CSADD is important because it continues to help sailors,” said Covington. “These sailors can take each other out on liberty and show them positive things to do that don’t involve drinking or getting into trouble.”

CSADD chapters from the USS Stethem (DDG 63), CFAY and Naval Air Facility Atsugi, supported the event while each booth provided a different cultural experience.

“I’ve had a blast at the event today,” said O’Bryan. “It was great to support and give back to the community today. The goal is to make this a yearly event on base.”

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2013
• Date Posted: 12.12.2013 06:22
• Story ID: 118102
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP
• Hometown: LEXINGTON, KY, US