While observing motorcycle safety rules of the road is required year around, on Nov. 8, Sailors assigned to Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) in Williamsburg, Virginia, applied that guidance during a motorcycle safety ride to encourage safe driving on Virginia roads.

Sailors also combined the ride with another valuable training topic -- domestic violence awareness.

Chief Petty Officer Eugene Rodriguez, an experienced rider, serves as the command's motorcycle safety coordinator and gave the safety briefing.

"Safety must be on the minds of every rider, from the time they get on their bike, until the time they get off of it," said Rodriguez. "I have been riding for 13 years, and I still find myself learning something new during each ride."

The ride encompassed 51 miles of historic roads, scenic views, and over brick terrain. While promoting safe riding techniques, the ride was also used as a mentorship program, where experienced riders helped new riders use and perfect riding techniques.

After conducting a safety brief, participants inspected all bikes and personal protective equipment. Petty Officer 1st Class Jessie Speller also conducted domestic violence training, encompassing statistics of domestic violence in Virginia, the signs of abuse, and where treatment and counseling can be found. Each rider carried a purple towel, as well, signifying awareness of domestic violence with them as an outward sign of their support.

"Today was a great ride; we observed new techniques to ride safer and escape dangerous situations," said Speller. "We had our eyes out for each other on the road, and we need to do the same thing when it comes to domestic violence -- by keeping our eyes out for signs of abuse, and [letting] our shipmates know we have 'their six.' To me riding is all about freedom, and we want those who experience domestic violence to feel that same freedom every day."

Domestic violence is a major concern across America. In Virginia alone, there are over 17,000 domestic violence crimes reported to law enforcement each year.

There are two types of reporting options, restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reports do not involve military chain of command or law enforcement. Unrestricted reports will include some type of investigation by the command and or law enforcement. Both options make available to victims the full range of advocacy, medical, and counseling services.

For more information on these two reporting options, Sailors can speak with a victim advocate counselor at a local Fleet and Family Support Center or a health care provider at a military treatment facility. If you think you may be a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or visit your installation Fleet and Family Support Center for information on available resources.

NAVELSG is located in Williamsburg, with an active battalion located at Cheatham Annex and forward-deployed detachments and Reserve battalions located across the United States. NAVELSG provides Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the fleet's expeditionary logistics regiments. More than 100 Sailors and civilians work together in ensuring training is current and well executed for the 2,800 active-duty and Reserve Sailors of the group.

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

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.