George Washington's CSADD a Cut Above the Rest

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michelle N. Rasmusson, USS George Washington Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) earned the CSADD Sea Chapter of the Year for 2012 Dec. 20.

The Sea and Shore Chapters of the Year award is given to a ship's CSADD program for their effective use of social media to support CSADD, promotion of leadership skills within the program and support from the command leadership team.

"Our Sailors invest a tremendous amount of their off-time hours in planning, promoting and [putting] their ideas into action," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Arlene Narciso, from Lihue, Hawaii, George Washington's CSADD president. "We're forward-deployed and not many of us have a lot of spare time on our hands. It took dedication and support to get us where we are [as] the number one CSADD Chapter in the fleet."

George Washington's CSADD participated in eight community service projects during its 2012 patrol, including a home visit for the handicapped in Busan, Republic of South Korea; a basketball clinic for youths in Manila, Republic of the Philippines; and visit to Agathians Shelter Children's Home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"As ambassadors of the U.S., it's our role to maintain a good relationship with our allies," said Narciso. "It makes us bond closer with the nations we visit."

CSADD also encourages participation in constructive, inport activities to promote leadership, good behavior and Sailors helping Sailors.

"Our CSADD greatly assists the command's efforts to combat destructive decisions and improve community relations," said Command Master Chief Shaun I. Brahmsteadt, George Washington's command master chief. "George Washington's CSADD participates in Feed the Homeless, Clean the City and other events that encourage Sailor interaction with local residents."

George Washington returned to its forward-operating location of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan from its 2012 patrol Nov. 20. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Asia-Pacific region.