USS Nebraska Gold Celebrates More Than Two Years DUI-Free

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Northwest

July 2, 2010 - SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors from the USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) Gold Crew, celebrated an 839-day DUI-free milestone with a command picnic at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.

According to Cmdr. Michael E. Fisher, Nebraska Gold commanding officer, milestones such as this allow the crew to focus on their jobs while boosting morale.

"This impacts the ship's mission because it allows us to focus on our mission rather than focusing on disciplinary issues," said Fisher. "We have an emphasis on teamwork and taking care of each other and responsible behavior, and that carries through into how we conduct our business and how we conduct ourselves at sea, as well. This also has a huge impact on the crew's morale. The crew is very protective of their record and their performance, and taking the opportunity to celebrate something like this clearly has an impact on the crew."

The more than two-year streak is credited to a DUI prevention program, where Sailors on board Nebraska rely on each other in the case that they are in need of a ride home.

"The guys watch out for each other; they take care of each other, and that is the best defense against getting a DUI," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Eric E. Nelson, who oversees the program. "Everyone on the ship, from the captain down to the junior-most guy, has said that if anyone needed a ride, they can give them a call. We even have guys on the ship who don't drink at all, who go out with groups of guys and volunteer to be designated drivers."

Nelson also said the program falls within the command's philosophy.

"One of the cornerstones of the command is that we take care of each other, and how the command has responded was through this program," said Nelson. "This program works really well with the command's philosophy. The command has been incredibly supportive of the program. The crew as a whole slips into the idea that we do take care of each other and Nebraska really reflects that."

"This makes me feel proud of my guys. It's that simple. I'm proud of what they do and what they keep doing. They're an amazing group of folks. I can't believe how proud I am of these guys and the work they accomplish."