Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka (FLCY) held a sexual assault general military training stand-down for military and civilian personnel, April 24, as part of the Navy’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign.

The annual training was designed to educate military and civilian personnel on the issue of sexual assaults in the military and raise awareness about the importance of prevention throughout the command. In addition, it provided a venue for discussion with a goal of eliminating the stigma that may deter someone from reporting an incident of sexual assault. 

“Sexual assault awareness and prevention is not a one month effort but extends throughout the year,” said NAVSUP FLCY Commanding Officer Capt. Frank Nevarez. “When one of our own is hurt by an act of sexual abuse, it affects us all.”

Nevarez said prevention is the responsibility of everyone and pointed out that raising awareness and understanding can prevent victimization.

 “Prevention is everyone’s duty. We all want a safe and productive environment for ourselves, our co-workers and our shipmates,” said Nevarez. “Today’s training is our effort to collectively try and eradicate the problem. I encourage you all to make the commitment. By working together, my hope is that we can continue to raise awareness and bring perpetrators to justice and eliminate it from our service forever.”

The two FLCY Sailors facilitating the training provided detailed scenarios on sexual assault and discussed the toxic effects of retaliation on command morale. Petty Officer First Class Erica Allen stated that every person has the responsibility to report a sexual assault as soon as they suspect a problem.

“We all have a responsibility to prevent sexual assaults,” said Allen. “Sailors need to know about the two reporting options and the resources that are available to them. Some people don’t know, so we want to make it clear for them.”

Senior Chief Petty Officer Calvin Jones, who led the discussion on retaliation, encouraged everyone to speak up and help eliminate the fear of repercussion.

“Fear of retaliation from the perpetrator or the perpetrator’s friends is one of the main reasons people do not speak up,” said Jones. “But people need to be aware that retaliation will not be tolerated in the Navy. We want everyone to make a commitment to speak up and help put an end to sexual assaults in the Navy.”

The Department of the Navy is working aggressively to prevent sexual assaults through education and awareness campaigns such as the one held in Yokosuka. In addition to training, the Navy seeks to support sexual assault victims and hold perpetrators accountable. Sexual assaults are not only prevalent in the uniformed Navy but impact the civilian workforce as well.

NAVSUP FLCY Command Master Chief Johnny Fulger said the training helps bring the issue into the spotlight.

“Too many of our shipmates are still victims of sexual assault," said Fulger. "Our Sailors must look out for each other and intervene if something is not right in a situation. If something does happen, it's important to know what to do and who to go to."

The effects of sexual assaults are devastating and ramifications widespread. The dark tentacles of sexual assault touch the lives of everyone: family, friends and coworkers, both military and civilian alike. Annual Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training raises awareness throughout the ranks, with a goal of eradicating sexual assaults in the Navy. In the end, it ensures the readiness of the fleet and adherence to the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.

SAPR guidance is available online at www.SAPR.mil. The DOD Safe Helpline, 877-995-5247, can provide assistance and connect victims with their installation or base Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and other military and civilian resources that are available.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.

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