Naval Submarine Support Facility Displays 'Right Spirit'

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Submarine Group 2 presented a "Right Spirit" pennant to Naval Submarine Support Facility (NSSF) New London in Groton, Conn., July 8 for the team going more than 500 days without a driving under the influence (DUI) related incident.

Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, commander, Submarine Group 2, presented the pennant to the NSSF team of nearly 900 Sailors, civilians and contractors in recognition of their efforts.

"This is a truly outstanding achievement, going 580 days with out an incident," said McLaughlin. "While it's both a team sport and a supervisor sport, what [the crew is] doing is truly phenomenal."

Initially some NSSF team members thought the accomplishment wasn't possible because the command was so large, said Chief Hospital Corpsmen Jeffrey Lamb, NSSF's drug and alcohol prevention advocate (DAPA).

"This accomplishment is something to be extremely proud of," said Lamb. "We did this as a team, and we will continue to do so because our Sailors want it to work."

Lamb added that their aggressive awareness program is a key component to their success.

"We start from day one," said Lamb. "By utilizing a team system, weekend contracts and safe ride cards, we cause everyone to think and plan ahead."

NSSF, which employs military members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors, provides direct maintenance support to submarines assigned to Submarine Group 2 and often supports visiting ships.

The first pennant was awarded to the crew of USS Hartford (SSN 768) in October 2009 after Hartford's crew passed their 1,000th DUI-free day. The second pennant was awarded to USS North Carolina (SSN 777) in December 2009 after they completed 2,000 days without a DUI incident.

The pennant is Navy blue with gold lettering and includes a gold star for each year the command is DUI free. 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; Submarine Group 2's Navy alcohol and drug control officer designed and implemented the idea.