Surface Combat Training Command's CSADD Chapter Selected as 2012 Shore Chapter of the Year

By Lt. Carl Densing, Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, and Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FASWTC) announced Jan. 9 that its chapter of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) was selected as the 2012 Shore Chapter of the Year.

Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk announced the selections via Navy Administration (NAVADMIN) message. FASWTC's Commanding Officer Capt. Richard Thomas said that FASWTC's CSADD chapter was selected from a field of fierce competitors and had "set a pace for all commands to emulate."

"Being recognized for this award is a remarkable achievement for our CSADD chapter," said Thomas. "I'm proud of its members and advisors who make it a top priority to ensure newly-minted Sailors receive a positive orientation before they head out to the fleet. This recognition attests to their hard work and dedication."

CSADD is a peer-mentoring program that promotes positive decision making and helps build leadership skills in junior Sailors. The program seeks to educate and aid them in tackling issues, such as alcohol misuse and reckless driving, and prevent destructive decision making.

Chief Sonar Technician Chris Salisbury, CSADD advisor, said he is honored to have been given the opportunity to guide and support the group of young leaders.

"Selflessness and dedication to their peers and Navy core values contributed greatly to this chapter's success," said Salisbury. "These Sailors make me proud each and every day with their tireless efforts to make a positive and significant impact on their shipmates."

To help convey the message of good decision-making and their commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the city of San Diego, the CSADD chapter also participated in ongoing community service activities around the San Diego area.

"This year, we supported Wreaths Across America (laying Christmas wreaths on graves at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery) and numerous beach clean-ups," said Sonar Technician 1st Class Kyle LaFlamme, CSADD advisor. "These activities had a significant impact on increasing the positive image of the Navy in the local community. The young, committed Sailors of our CSADD chapter epitomize the best qualities of the 21st century Sailor."

Each year, one sea and shore chapter is selected as the CSADD Chapter of the Year based on strong leadership support, encouragement of Sailors to lead through CSADD participation, and the measured impact the program has made on its Sailors and command mission success.

"We look forward to another successful year of shipmates helping shipmates," said Salisbury.

The CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites, which includes FASWTC. FASWTC provides tactical, technical and military training to develop anti-submarine warfare and combat direction and control professionals who are able to operate and maintain systems as part of their command combat teams.