Kearsarge Program Helping Sailors, Families From Afar

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) were reminded March 26 of the have many avenues to help deal with the stress and issues that may arise while in port and deployed including the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) that can help put them on the right track.

In 1976, the Department of the Navy formally recognized the existence of family violence within the military community. To address those issues, FAP was established that same year. Today the program provides a consistent and standardized response to incidents of domestic or child abuse within the Navy.

"This is a great program because you can refer yourself if you feel you have problems or issues," said Lt. Laura Nesbitt, Family Advocacy coordinator aboard Kearsarge. "FAP offers timely access to appropriate services, whether it's providing contact with a victim advocate, health care provider or Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) clinician or chaplain."

FAP provides Sailors, spouses, children and even ex-boyfriends or girlfriends with 100 percent confidentiality and non-punitive measures for those who wish to seek assistance. This is especially important to Sailors currently aboard deployed ships who will be returning home soon and will have to deal with the wide-range emotions that inevitably exist after being gone for so long. Nesbit said the proper steps for a successful homecoming and reintegration back into family life need to be taken ahead of time and FAP is ready to assist.

"As we get closer to our return, some Sailors could experience anxiety or nervousness as they realize they have to go back to what they left," said Nesbitt.

"Coping mechanisms have to be established and in place before we return in order for them to be most effective. We'll have a stand down with FFSC during our transit back to help address any concerns or issues Sailors may have following a lengthy time away from home."

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Robert Loomis, also a FAP coordinator, stresses the importance of early detection of problems. Sailors may be stress-free now, but they may encounter abuse or behavioral problems over time upon their return.

"During our last yard period in 2009, we had a higher number of cases because we were in port for such a long period of time," said Loomis. "Problems at home can arise from working long hours, but we want Sailors to recognize the problem early and talk to us. Prevention is the key and Sailors need to use all of their available resources."

Sailors are encouraged to take advantage of counseling with chaplains or contact Military One Source, an online service that hosts various assistance outlets.

"Military One Source has great chat capability for free online or can be contacted 24 hours a day," said Nesbitt. "The TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) is also a free web-based service for psychological health services with video chat and instant messaging. The best part is these services are available without a referral. We are always here on Kearsarge with our door open to ensure Sailors have a support network in place to rely on just in case they encounter stressors once returning."

Military One Source is available online at www.militaryonesource.com or by calling their toll free number 1-800-342-9647. Kearsarge will release more information on the FFSC stand down as the ship nears its return to Norfolk.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/phibron4/.>