USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
October 12, 2012 Issue
“Big E” Sailors Walk the Line Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds
one of the participants in the activity. “My depth perception was off and my judgment was way off. I couldn’t even walk in a straight line.” “The goggles show it all,” said Dennis. “They really throw you off. It’s like you are really under the influence. They take your balance away from you, your vision is different and your equilibrium is thrown off.” This reality check comes at an opportune time. The legendary carrier is nearing the end of its 25th and final deployment, and many crewmembers will be settling back into the daily routine of their lives at home after many months at sea. The activity comes at a time when crewmembers are vulnerable. “This is to show Sailors and Marines how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel after drinking,” said Dennis. Alcohol-related incidents are one of the top career killers in today’s Navy. Depending on the severity of the incident, Sailors could be separated without benefits Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Ben Penron rides a tricycle across after a second alcohol-related incident. the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) while wearing beer Statistically, Sailors and Marines under the age of goggles during a simulated impairment exercise organized by Enterprise’s Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD). 25 are more likely to have an alcohol-related incident, according the USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – It’s a fact. Alcohol and Navy Safety automobiles don’t mix. As most Sailors and Marines are aware, they put their career Center. This makes up a large portion at risk any time they decide to get behind the wheel of an of the enlisted automobile while impaired. Navy and has To experience the negative impact alcohol has on one’s become a focus of motor skills, Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier USS both the Secretary Enterprise (CVN 65) participated in a “realistic simulation of of the Navy and impairment activity” organized by the carrier’s Coalition of the Chief of Naval Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) Oct. 11. Operations. During the activity, participants were given “beer goggles,” As Enterprise goggles with lenses that impair the participants’ vision and wraps up its final equilibrium, and asked to perform normally simple tasks like deployment and picking up car keys and riding a tricycle. its crewmembers “This is in place to simulate an impaired experience, prepare for life from picking up your keys, to getting behind the wheel back home, and trying to drive, to getting arrested by the police,” said CSADD is striving Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Brian Dennis, one of the to help its Sailors CSADD sponsors/coordinators of the event. “We also have the make healthy participants walk a straight line and perform a sobriety test.” decisions to make Many of the Sailors and Marines found it quite difficult to the transition a ride the tricycle through an obstacle course and then perform safe one - without the sobriety test. drinking and “It was a pretty good reality check, as far as I was Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Stuart Breen driving. attempts to walk a straight line on the flight deck. concerned,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Stuart Breen,