Truman Sailors participate in Mind, Body, Spirit Symposium

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David R. Finley Jr., USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) attended a Mind, Body and Spirit symposium aboard the ship's auxiliary barge March 22.

The event was designed to provide personal, physical, spiritual and professional guidance for Truman Sailors.

"Today, we are hosting our Mind, Body and Spirit campaign aboard the barge, and we are emphasizing that Sailors are our most valuable asset," said Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Truman's commanding officer. "We have more than a dozen of our program managers out there to provide important information to the crew."

Various command program representatives were present to answer questions and specific information.

"We coordinated a one-stop shop for Truman Sailors to get information," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW/AW) Tanisha Scruggs-Thomas, Second Class Petty Officer Association president. "It is a great opportunity to educate the crew and bring awareness to our programs."

The event also gave Sailors a chance to socialize and meet new people, said Scruggs-Thomas.

"Communication is very important," said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Kathy-Ann Gomez, Truman's command drug and alcohol program advisor (DAPA). "Knowledge is power. If Sailors are more knowledgeable about the things around them, they can make better decisions."

The event also included Sailors signing contracts with the commanding officer regarding alcohol use and expectations as part of the Right Spirit Campaign.

The Navy's Right Spirit Campaign requires responsibility and accountability from all hands regardless of rank or rate. The goal is to enhance fleet readiness by reducing alcohol abuse and related incidents.

"They are making a promise to themselves, the commanding officer, the Navy and their families to do the right thing," said Gomez. "The contract brings awareness to the situation, and causes Sailors to be more mindful of themselves and their shipmates."

Health and wellness are important elements of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department.

Truman is undergoing a docking planned incremental availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.