Local Sailors Embrace Navy's New CSADD Program

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Oliver Cole, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors from the San Diego area are embracing the Navy's new peer mentoring program, "Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions" (CSADD), which was launched June 24 and focuses on helping junior Sailors make better decisions.

"CSADD originated in the Mid-Atlantic Region as a process in which each command establishes a CSADD chapter with Sailors in the age group of 18-25 and enables them to take on a leadership role in CSADD," said Navy Total Force Fleet Master Chief Scott Benning. "Our goal is to provide accurate information and resources while you share your best practices with your shipmates across the Navy."

The program was implemented June 18 by Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of naval personnel. Not only does CSADD promote better decision making, it also encourages networking. Networking is one of the Navy's largest forms of communication and continues to grow through social media.

"CSADD also brings on-line social networking together with actual in place social networking with your shipmates in your command," said Benning. "Together we can make a positive impact for our Navy, our Shipmates and our Nation. I look forward to the continued growth of CSADD and look forward to seeing how each of you contributes to our Navy's team success."

San Diego Sailors are glad that CSADD has its own page on one of the world's major networking channels, Facebook. The program's page contains more than 1200 fans and continues to grow. Fans can stay informed by simply reading wall posts or checking updates.

"Everyone uses Facebook," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Zak Dushey, whose squadron spends a lot of time in San Diego. "It's a great way to network and share information. CSADD sounds like a wonderful program and it's much needed. I'm going to participate in the program."

Although Facebook is popular and easily accessible to the targeted group of young Sailors, it's not the only way to participate in the program. CSADD also has regional and command chapters that perform the same task as the Facebook page. All structures of the program focus on two key areas each month beginning in July 2010 with "Financial Freedom" and "Fire Safety and At-Home Safety."

CSADD encourages positive influence and behavior while at the same time bringing together on-line and in-person networking with peer interaction. All commands are encouraged to promote this program which practices informed decision making and reinforces the idea of shipmates helping shipmates.