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USS Theodore Roosevelt Works to Eliminate Summer Season Mishaps
Story Number: NNS130430-13
4/30/2013

By LCDR Patrick Evans, Public Affairs Officer, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) kicks off its 2013 Summer Safety campaign this month, encouraging Sailors to work toward a safe and fun summer season.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the possible mishaps that can happen to off-duty service members during the summer. It will focus on five areas: personal motor vehicle safety, alcohol awareness, water safety, sexual assault, and suicide awareness.

"Our Sailors are at greater risk for mishaps when the weather gets warmer, especially from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day," said Cmdr. Rob Durlacher, TR's Safety Officer. "It's essential that all of us make a plan to stay safe while enjoying off-duty recreation."

During the summer months, students are out of school, many families schedule vacations, and Sailors and their loved ones often travel longer periods than they should without rest or a break. It's also a time for beach parties, cookouts, and summer parties, which often combine alcohol consumption, hot weather, and high risk activities.

"We want everyone to have a good time, but we also want them to be smart about it. The lives of our Sailors and their loved ones depend on it," said Durlacher.

According to Naval Safety Center statistics, 20 Sailors and 13 Marines lost their lives between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2012.

The ship will distribute safety information throughout the summer in an effort to preserve the Navy's most valuable asset: its Sailors.

Additional information about the Navy's Summer Safety campaign can be found online at www.safetycenter.navy.mil.>
Join the conversation with TR online at www.facebook.com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and www.Twitter.com/TheRealCVN71. For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.>
For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.