Security, League of Women Tag Team to Teach Self-Defense

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in a three-day basic self-defense class, Sept. 22-24.

Members of Security department trained Sailors with George Washington's League of Women group on basic patterns and movements, how to properly move and maintain balance, how to execute blocks to defend themselves and basic strikes to create distance from an attacker who is trying to press in.

"A lot of the training we taught here are techniques that we teach to our own security forces," said Chief Master-at-Arms Kevin McCaslin, one of the self-defense instructors. "We get the curriculum from the Center for Security Forces and it is a highly effective means of using the least amount of force necessary to defend yourself until you can either get away or get assistance."

According to Chief Master-at-Arms Jeff Harris, a self-defense instructor, this is the first class they held that is open to anyone on the ship and they are expecting it to become a more common occurrence.

"This class originally began when the League of Women group approached us about the idea," said Harris. "However, the class is open to both men and women who want to learn basic self-defense techniques. We have used this training many times in the past and know that the techniques are effective. We want to provide Sailors the correct tools and confidence to limit and reduce the amount of vulnerability that they experience in today's society."

According to McCaslin, the lessons are defensive in nature and the training is meant to help develop muscle memory for Sailors to use effectively in real-life situations.

"These are good techniques to get away from an attacker without really hurting them," said McCaslin. "No one wants to cause serious injury, but [Sailors] do need to gain control. We are teaching these Sailors to create distance, facilitate an escape route or find someone to interfere."

Participants learned different strikes before practicing on one another and eventually the "Redman," an instructor in red padding that allowed participants to practice what they learned.

"I thought the class was great and it is one of those activities that creates self-confidence," said Lt. Lauren Specht, a participant in the class. "It is important that Sailors learn to be aware of their surroundings and be able to react to a threat. We should have more classes and I will be working with Security to, hopefully, develop a monthly schedule."

Specht played a key role in coordinating with Security to set up the class and get Sailors involved, starting with the League of Women group

"Knowing how to defend yourself gives confidence that can be seen by family, friends and even potential attackers," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jessica Downing, from Marissa, Illinois, a participant from the League of Women group. "I believe it's very important for men and women to know how to defend themselves and both can benefit from these self-defense classes."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.