GW training facilitators equip Sailors with AWARE

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, PACIFIC OCEAN

09.22.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shayla D. Hamilton, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, Pacific Ocean (Sept. 22, 2015) – Training facilitators aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) are conducting alcohol awareness (AWARE) training to keep Sailors mission-ready as they deploy around South America as part of the Southern Seas 2015.

AWARE is a program designed to give Sailors information to assist in making informed decisions about responsible drinking and the associated hazards of alcohol abuse. The training is designed to equip Sailors with information based on fleet-wide statistics on the impact and risks of alcohol abuse.

“The training is conducted by DAPA [Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor] representatives with a very interactive approach,” said Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Hiram Alcala, Washington’s AWARE training facilitator. “We understand our Sailors better this way, and they are more comfortable sharing their thoughts and views through group discussions concerning alcohol. In the end, we, the facilitators, come out with an even greater understanding of our Sailors and they, in turn, get the training they need.”

Washington’s training facilitators said the training gives them the opportunity to ask questions centered around the Sailors’ personal experiences with alcohol, using class participation to guide one another toward responsible use.

“It’s important that we have this training on board because it allows us to receive instant feedback from our Sailors,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Terrance Green, AWARE training facilitator. “The ultimate goal is having every Sailor leave the ship on liberty realizing alcohol with no plan equals disaster. We want them to know and incorporate proper planning and goal setting, allowing them to enjoy themselves while keeping themselves and their shipmates safe.”

Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2015 which seeks to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability and build and maintain relationships with countries throughout the region through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation.

• Date Taken: 09.22.2015
• Date Posted: 10.07.2015 14:18
• Story ID: 178356
• Location: USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, PACIFIC OCEAN