Safety advocates from aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) hosted a planned incremental availability and summer safety fair at Heron Park, May 26.

The fair promoted safety information and injury prevention to maintain a fighting force during PIA and during the "101 Critical Days of Summer."

Naval Safety Center's Occupational Health Office defines the "101 Critical Days of Summer" as the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. During this time, many more people, civilians and military alike, are participating in activities that could potentially be dangerous if precautions are not taken.

"We decided to do things a little differently this year for our summer safety stand down," said Damage Controlman 1st Class Trenton King, 101 Days of Summer topic facilitator. "We wanted to promote more engagement. The fair set up gives Sailors a chance to interact instead of sitting through a presentation."

King advised Sailors to follow fire safety procedures at their summer cookouts and barbecues. He also reminded them that fireworks are illegal in California.

"In the age of social media and cell phones, we tend to reach for our camera phones when we should be offering a helping hand to our shipmates," said King. "Instead of recording videos of your friends making poor decisions, intervene so that people don't get hurt."

PIA offers a unique scenario for Theodore Roosevelt and her crew. The crew is working side-by-side with government civilians and civilian contractors. Some of the civilian workers were present at the fair to offer some safety advisories during the ship's maintenance period.

"It's really important to establish our safety standards in the beginning so that we can maintain them throughout our maintenance period," said Puget Sound Shipyard worker Kip Reid. "We're here today so that our civilian workers and the Sailors alike understand the importance of safety and injury prevention. We're discussing fall protections, fall restraints and fall arrests specifically, but overall safety is our message."

Theodore Roosevelt's Command Religious Ministries Department encouraged Sailors to use their free time productively by getting involved in their community outreach events. Chief Damage Controlman Maria Hernandez manned the CRMD community outreach table.

"We have four events within the next two months," said Hernandez. "We want to make sure that our Sailors are getting involved with the community and making a positive impact. That's our goal today; to provide them with these sorts of opportunities."

Each quarter CRMD hosts a 1,000 Sailor-led community outreach event. Last quarter, CRMD hosted a dual beautification project at Chollas Lake and Balboa Park compiling more than 7,000 man hours total.

Representatives with Motorcycle Safety, Medical, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, and Drug and Alcohol Prevention also presented at the event to encourage healthy decision making and prevent destructive decisions.

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