Thursday, December 15, 2011

Coronado Holds Safety Stand Down

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Spencer Mickler, Naval Base Coronado Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors stationed aboard Naval Base Coronado (NBC) attended a holiday safety stand down briefing at the base theatre, Dec. 14.

The holiday safety stand down is an annual event held by the NBC Safety Office to help minimize the risk of potential accidents or injuries during the holidays.

"This event was all about preparing the Sailors and civilians aboard NBC to have a safe holiday," said Ryan Hilliard, NBC safety specialist. "We wanted to raise awareness of holiday hazards like suicide, fires and drunk driving."

The safety stand down marks the beginning of the holiday leave period in which many Sailors travel out of state to be with family and friends.

"We provide tips on safe travel, traffic safety, fire prevention and suicide prevention," said Gwenevere Ray, NBC safety director. "We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas."

"The brief was good for everyone, it gives us all an idea of what to expect when leaving the base and going on leave," said Mater-at-Arms 1st Class (EXW/SW/AW) Michael Daley. "We hear things like this from our friends and family, but it's good to hear it come from the chain of command."

The Safety office brought in guest speakers from the California Highway Patrol, Fleet and Family Support Center, Federal Fire, and special guest retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt., and actor, R. Lee Ermey.

Ermey, who has acted in the film "Full Metal Jacket," joined as a special guest speaker to encourage Sailors to be safe. After the brief, Ermey stayed to sign autographs and take photos with Sailors.

"It's awesome to have someone who's put on a uniform and served in the military come back and see us after they've become famous," said Daley.

The holiday stand down will continue until after the New Year.

For more information about holiday safety aboard NBC, contact the Safety Office at (619) 545-1049.

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