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USS Carl Vinson Holds Summer Safety Standdown

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080611-15
Release Date: 6/11/2008 1:55:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nina Hughes, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

HAMPTON, Va. (NNS) -- More than 2,500 Sailors assigned to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) attended an all-hands safety standdown at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, June 6, in Hampton.

The biannual standdown evolution included special guest speakers and featured in-depth presentations that touched on areas such as motorcycle, electrical and occupational safety. The event also featured testimonials on suicide awareness and lectures about the dangers of driving under the influence.

"Safety standdown not only helps reinforce awareness of the dangers behind practices such as drinking and driving, but also highlights the hazards and consequences involved when people choose to not follow proper safety procedures in the workplace and at home," said Information Systems Technician (SW) 1st Class Tyler Breidenbach.

Vinson Sailors attended an interactive DUI prevention briefing, facilitated by guest speakers from the Virginia State Police. During the briefing, a field sobriety reenactment skit was performed using a Sailor who played the role of an impaired driver suffering the consequences of driving while intoxicated.

After the presentations, Carl Vinson's executive officer, Cmdr. Stephen Koehler emphasized the importance of personal responsibility.

"All of our actions on and off duty, whether positive or negative, are a big deal," said Koehler. "We always have to make the right choices in any situation."

The event helped to encourage better choices.

"Just walking around during a break, I heard a shipmate say that he will always wear his seat belt from now on, even though he didn't always wear it before," said Breidenbach. "That's the ultimate goal of the standdowns. Knowing that even one person got the message and will be safer because of it makes it all worthwhile."

For more news from USS Carl Vinson, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.