CNO: Shipmates, CNO Gilday here with my wife Linda to talk about Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It is important that we have a frank conversations about this difficult topic. Through both words and actions, everyone must do their part to end sexual violence.

Linda: Making connections, fostering friendships, and empowering one another will help us to prevent sexual assault.

CNO: Let me be absolutely clear: sexual assault is an abhorrent crime and has no place in our Navy – or society – and it inflicts unimaginable pain upon its victims. We must rededicate ourselves to being an organization where neither sexual assault nor sexual harassment are tolerated, where survivors are supported, where victims are not blamed, and where all Sailors and civilians can live and work without fear.

Linda: Your voice is power. United, we join together to stand up and speak out against sexual assault… as we also stand in solidarity and support survivors of sexual assault.

CNO: We ALL have a role in combating sexual assault. This is something that impacts men, women and children. It is everyone’s duty to prevent, report and help eliminate sexual assault for good.

Linda: We appreciate everything our Sailors, civilians, and their families do to ensure we remain the best Navy in the world.

CNO: Thank you for all you do, day in and day out. See you in the fleet shipmates.