Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower participated in an educational fair in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, April 11.

The event provided the crew with a chance to learn more about the Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.

According to the Department of Defense annual report on sexual assault, the Navy had 1,295 sexual assault reports in fiscal year 2014.

Lt. j.g. Diana Spivey, one of Ike's SAPR advocates, said the fair was held to spread awareness and to inform Ike Sailors about all levels of SAPR.

"Our goal is to see the Sailors on board come together as a team," Spivey said. "We want to ensure that each and every member of the Ike team is aware of the part they can play when it comes to preventing sexual assault."

Spivey and many other volunteers set up tables where Sailors could ask questions and gain knowledge from experienced individuals and representatives from various committees.

At the First Class Petty Officer Association table, Personnel Specialist 1st Class Rick Isotalo told the assembled crowd it was important to the FCPOA members that they participate in the event.

"We're just doing our part to reinforce the fact that we should never tolerate sexist behavior or any behavior that could be perceived as sexual harassment or assault, Isotalo said.

"I believe that the sense of friendship and camaraderie among the crew is the most important method of prevention," he said. "It's all about taking care of one another and having each other's backs."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Khadisha McMillan attended the education fair to learn more about how to prevent and respond to sexual assault.

"It's never easy to talk about the subject of sexual assault," McMillan said. "Today I felt comfortable asking a lot of questions. I learned so much and feel a lot more confident in my ability to deal with these kinds of situations and prevent them from occurring."

Organizations including the ship's Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions and Multicultural Committee also participated to show their support for SAAPM.

"Every organization on this ship, in one way or another, contributes to preventing and responding to sexual assault," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kelly Pankey. "For CSADD, it's all about promoting the importance of Sailors being active bystanders. We want the crew to know that if they have a problem, someone is willing and ready to take care of them."

In 60 percent of FY14 unrestricted report investigations of sexual assault, a service member was victimized by another service member.

"Ike Sailors are readying both the ship and the crew in preparation for the upcoming deployment," Spivey said. "The SAPR program is a vital part of the morale on board, and it doesn't end in April. Our plan is to continue to teach and empower all hands throughout our time together."

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