USS Helena Displays The Right Spirit

By Lt.j.g. Garry Ferguson, USS Helena Public Affairs

May 25, 2010 - KITTERY, Maine (NNS) -- The Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Helena (SSN 725) reached another significant milestone May 21 when Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 2 representative Capt. Michael Martin presented the submarine with "The Right Spirit" pennant. The pennant displays a single gold star symbolic of an entire year without a driving under the influence (DUI) related incident. The award recognizes Helena's efforts to prevent alcohol-related incidents which could jeopardize Sailors and civilians alike. Earlier this month, USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) also received the "Right Spirit" pennant.

A "Right Spirit" pennant was also awarded to USS Hartford (SSN 768) in October 2009 after Sailors aboard the submarine passed their 1,000th alcohol-related incident-free day. Another pennant was awarded to USS North Carolina (SSN 777) in December 2009 after crew members aboard the boat completed 2,000 days without an alcohol-related incident.

The Navy blue pennant with gold lettering includes a gold star for each year the command is free of alcohol related incidents. A pennant with a single silver star represents five-consecutive years without a DUI incident.

Commands are authorized to fly the pennant as long as they are DUI-free.

The Right Spirit Campaign, initiated by the secretary of the Navy in 1995, was designed to enhance fleet readiness by the reduction of alcohol abuse and related incidents, to provide a safe and productive working environment and to ensure quality of life while de-glamorizing alcohol use.

This pennant was the brainchild of waterfront leadership. SUBGRU 2's Navy Alcohol and Drug Control officer designed and implemented the idea.

Helena, homeported in San Diego, arrived at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Sept. 2, 2009 for extended maintenance including several system upgrades. Upon arrival, Helena Sailors have been building a relationship with the community.

Helena, named after Helena, Mont., was commissioned on July 11, 1987. Her motto is "Proud and Fearless."