Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific leadership attended Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training in Virginia Beach at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Oct. 25.

The SAPR event was part of NECC's commodore's course, and included critical Echelon IV and other expeditionary leadership to receive the training utilizing video teleconference. The use of VTC technology allowed over 45 participants from units based in San Diego; Port Hueneme, California; Pearl Harbor; and Aguana, Guam to participate in the event.

"Today's training, and the cross pollination of having an expert from the civilian sector share her perspective and insights with our senior leaders is exactly what we need to be doing to help advance culture change within the force and across the Navy as it relates to SAPR issues and paradigms," said Capt. Marc Delao, chief of staff, NECC Pacific.

The training was led by Anne Munch, a professional consultant in the areas of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, who has worked extensively with the SAPR programs for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy.

"Working with the military leaders who seek answers about how to recognize the symptoms of unhealthy climates that contribute to sexual assault, and who couple this curiosity with a willingness to meet the problem head-on is some of the most rewarding work I do," said Munch.

The training discussed how commonly held beliefs about victims, offenders, and the meaning of consent all play important roles in how sexual assault cases are handled in our culture. Munch's training also focused on how society looks at victims of these crimes, and how the perspective needs to change from what the victim did wrong to what society can do to stop offenders.

"I think the reason this type of training is so critically important to our force and our commanders is it is very different than the standard Navy SAPR general military training," said Lt. Cmdr. John Timothy, the NECC Pacific SAPR officer, who added the training helped to shape the way leaders think about sexual assault in society and in the Navy.

At the conclusion of the training, Munch had a positive outlook and noted having this type of SAPR training conducted at the senior leadership level serves to benefit the command, and ultimately to help change the culture.

NECC/NECC Pacific is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

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