VAW-112 Goes 1,000 DUI-Free Days

POINT MUGU, Calif. (NNS) -- The Golden Hawks of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron-112 (VAW-112), based in Point Mugu, Calif., crossed a major milestone July 24, when they achieved 1,000 days without anyone cited for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The achievement highlights a lot of work by three commanding officers, three Drug and Alcohol Programs Advisors, and most importantly, hundreds of Sailors who are committed to responsible alcohol use.

"The real credit goes to all the Golden Hawks and families who have consistently made the right decision specifically not to drink and drive," said current VAW-112 commanding officer Cmdr. Aaron Brodsky. "We have a lot of examples of Sailors doing the right thing in the whole spectrum of mission, family and self, and although this is a considerable milestone, it doesn't surprise me given the caliber of today's Sailor - especially our Golden Hawk Sailors."

Leaders throughout the squadron have also given the VAW-112 Sailors strong tools to work with. All Sailors attend Alcohol Aware classes and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Management Seminar for Supervisors (ADAMS) training. The squadron has also made alcohol awareness and mentoring a part of the check-in process for every Sailor, so everyone knows what is expected right from the start.

"Current and previous 112 leadership have clearly established a great culture. It's tough to build and even tougher to maintain," said Capt. Dell Bull, Carrier Air Wing Nine.

He urged the squadron to continue setting the example. "Continue to press upon those values and reflect on what 1,000 days DUI free means to our nation's readiness and the prevention of accidental death to those we're sworn to protect, in addition to the needless ending of promising careers."

During their 1,000 days, the Golden Hawks made responsible alcohol choices during 23 major holiday weekends and 143 regular weekends. These are the times when statistically, DUIs are most likely to happen.

The squadron hasn't tried to preach alcohol abstinence. Rather, they are teaching Sailors to make good choices and to look out for each other.

"Leadership has a piece in this, but I think it really boils down to individual Sailors planning their activities prior to liberty and then looking out for and taking care of each other," said former commanding officer Cdr. Paul Crump, who now serves as the Air Boss onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). "Teamwork and trust are not just for working hours," he added.

As they prepare for an upcoming deployment with time off and visits with family and friends, Brodsky said the Golden Hawks are not letting down their guard. He believes there's no reason why VAW-112 can't go another 1,000 days and longer DUI free.

"The momentum feeds on itself," he said. "No one wants to be the person who breaks the streak."


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