Sailors from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) held "Out of the Darkness" suicide awareness walks on the aircraft carrier's flight deck, aboard guided missile-cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94), Aug. 26.

The walks are part of a larger event held across the nation and in Hampton Roads, Ike CSG's homeport, to educate and raise awareness suicide prevention and signs of depression.

"The walk was a lot of fun," said Seaman Roslyn Walhovd, who participated in the event aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). "Everyone had great energy and a great attitude."

More than 1,500 Sailors throughout the Ike CSG participated in the event.

Sailors were encouraged to remember loved ones who have been affected by suicide by sharing their stories with fellow participants, or writing the names of their lost ones on "Out of the Darkness" signs to show they are not forgotten.

"It's a great cause," said Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Rafael Santiago, who coordinated the event. "It's important that people know others care and to know that if they're suffering inside, they don't have to do that alone."

Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Nicholas J. Ponczka of San Jacinto has been a regular participant in the walk the last few years and was pleased to see other ships participating.

"Today's Out of the Darkness walk aboard USS San Jacinto was a great success," Ponczka said. "This walk has meant a lot to me the past couple of years and I'm glad San Jacinto, Ike and Nitze were able to participate in such a special event. It's nice to see everyone take a few minutes out of their busy day to come together and walk to promote good mental health, save lives and honor loved ones."

A lot of suicide attempts go unreported or untreated. Many surveys suggest at least 1 million people in the U.S. inflict self-harm yearly.

"Suicide is something we don't usually talk about until it happens," said Santiago. "I think by holding an event like this and starting these open discussions it reminds Sailors that if they're hurting, help is always available."

Suicide awareness is a major topic in the military, where depression and other conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder are a concern among service members and families. September is recognized by the armed forces as National Suicide Prevention Month.

Information on suicide prevention is available from the following agencies: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); National Community Walks, http://www.afsp.org/; International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP); and at the Navy Suicide Prevention Program webpage http://www.suicide.navy.mil/.

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

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit http://www.navy.mil/.