Sometimes getting a message across requires showing the cold, hard consequences of destructive behavior, and that's exactly what aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is doing.

Truman's Drug and Alcohol Prevention Advocates (DAPA) and Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), in cooperation with Norfolk Naval Shipyard , put a vehicle on display that was transformed into a mass of twisted metal and plastic after it was involved in an automobile accident. The locally donated truck serves as a symbol of the very real consequences of drinking and driving.

"We are trying to drive home the message that drinking and driving will not be tolerated at our command," said Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Brian Richardson, command DAPA aboard Truman. "The car may be unsettling to look at, but that's the point. By showing our Sailors what horrific results can come from driving under the influence, then maybe we can save someone's life before it's too late."

Less than 100 feet from the ship, the remains of what used to be a truck drew a crowd of Sailors to investigate the new display. An appalling sight, the vehicle's shattered windows, smashed bumper and warped structure turns the "what if" into reality.

"It was a surreal feeling walking up to the ship," said Seaman Alison Skon. "I couldn't help but stop and stare because of how badly this car was beat up. It has painted a whole new picture for me."

Capt. Ryan B. Scholl, Truman's commanding officer, places a strong emphasis on a more hands-on leadership approach that provides Sailors information on a personal level. "It's important for the leadership of our command to have face to face interaction with our Sailors," said Scholl. "This type of display helps jump-start real conversations. We will continue to do everything we can to reach out to and empower every Sailor to make the right decisions."

The implementation of the wrecked vehicle is part of Truman's effort to be proactive about putting a stop to destructive decisions regarding alcohol. The visual representation displayed will coincide with the ongoing alcohol awareness training Truman Sailors receive.

"It's crazy to see something like this," said Yeoman 3rd Class Jessica Johnson. "I can't help but imagine myself or one of my friends in the seat of that truck. We always hear about how destructive drinking and driving can be, but to actually see the aftermath makes it all more real."

During the weekends and holidays, when DUIs are more likely to occur, the vehicle will become the billboard about what can happen to a Sailor, a family, or even to children, when someone chooses to drink and drive.

For Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lindsay Preston, this was a terrible reality. "The day after Christmas, a friend of mine wanted to go out with our friends and celebrate graduating from Florida State University," said Preston. "I said good-bye to them and went home early. I came to find out the next morning he had died in a car accident.

"Although he was not driving, he got in the car with a friend who had been drinking. The car flipped upside down in a ditch causing my friend and the driver to drown while another passenger in the rear was unconscious. It wasn't until 36 hours later that the rear passenger was discovered and treated for hypothermia," said Preston.

Preston's story is just one of many other tragic events of its kind that have occurred. It's the realism of these events that serve as a teaching point to Sailors all over the fleet.

"This is a reality," said Preston. "When someone chooses to drink and drive, it can change their life in the blink of an eye."

Truman is currently undergoing a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for maintenance and refurbishment of shipboard systems to prepare for future operations.

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