Naval Air Station Pensacola celebrated a milestone of more than 500 days free of alcohol-related incidents (ARIs) with a cake- cutting ceremony Aug. 19 at command headquarters, Bldg. 1500.

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin congratulated his Sailors and expressed his pride and amazement.

"This is unprecidented," he said. "This is unlike anything I have seen in my 32 years in the Navy. You guys are setting the bar, and you are setting the bar high for the rest of the base in being responsible in what you do, both on and off duty."

The command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA), Senior Chief Religious Program Specialist Melanise Bradley, also praised the accomplishment.

"Thank you guys for making my job as the DAPA so much easier," she said. "This is so excitiing and it is because of you guys, and I really, really appreciate it. Keep up the good work."

A handmade tally board has been on display on the quaterdeck at NAS Pensacola headquaters for several years, but this is the first time the 500-day mark has been reached.

Programs from Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention help Sailors be responsible with alcohol and assist some with alcoholism and recovery. Programs such as "Keep What You've Earned" and "Who Will Stand Your Watch" encourage responsible drinking among Sailors by celebrating the achievements in their Navy careers, and educate Sailors about the consequences of poor decisions regarding alcohol.

For more information on Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention programs, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/nadap/Pages/default2.aspx/.

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

For more news from Naval Air Station Pensacola, visit http://www.navy.mil/ or http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_pensacola.html/.