The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) (GHWB) joins commands across the Navy in April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), highlighting this year's theme, "Protecting our people protects our mission."

SAAPM is an annual, national campaign designed to increase public awareness about sexual assault, while educating individuals and communities on methods for preventing sexual violence.

"Having a month like this serves to increase awareness throughout the entire command, down to each Sailor," said Senior Chief Personnel Specialist Gilbert Valenzuela, GHWB's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) point of contact. "Sexual assault is something that will not be tolerated in this Navy, and this month is about rededicating ourselves to preventing such incidents."

GHWB's SAPR Committee kicked off the month, April 6, with a cake-cutting ceremony in the foc'sle. Sailors will also gather on the flight deck, April 20, to form a human ribbon to show support. Other events include a scavenger hunt, a poster contest and the creation of a SAPR pledge board where Sailors can post their thoughts on sexual assault. All of these activities serve to increase awareness for GHWB.

"We just want to bring Sailors together as one to stand against sexual assault," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Kossi Adjogah, one of GHWB's SAPR victim advocates. "We plan to hand out ribbons and pamphlets in addition to the events we're having."

All of these events are designed to actively engage GHWB Sailors in the effort to eliminate sexual assault.

"Preventing sexual assault is a 365-day-a-year commitment," said Valenzuela. "We need to build a foundation of awareness from which Sailors can get engaged with us and each other."

The overall message GHWB's SAPR team wants to convey is that every Sailor has the power to act if they see a Sailor in need.

"No one should suffer in silence when it comes to matters like sexual assault," said Valenzuela. "Every Sailor has the power to act if they know somebody who is a victim. No one should just be a bystander. If you see someone in need of help, step in."

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit http://www.navy.mil/.