Norfolk Sailor Honored by National Corrections Association

By Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Naval Brig Norfolk was recognized as Navy Corrections Service Member of the Year by the American Correctional Association (ACA) in Kissimmee, Fla., Aug 8.

Chief Gunner's Mate (EXW/SW/AW) Antoine O. Flood, who serves as the senior corrections counselor at Naval Brig Norfolk, received his award during a banquet at the ACA's annual Congress of Correction.

"Chief Flood is phenomenal. His inner strength and tireless motivation has set him at the top of the corrections specialist field," said Capt. Ken Dalton, commander, Naval Brig Norfolk. "His influence significantly increased the potential for more than 350 prisoners to return to duty or civilian life with the correct attitude to succeed in the future."

Navy brigs are staffed by officers and enlisted Sailors who volunteer for brig duty during shore rotations. Flood reported to Naval Brig Norfolk February 2009 after completing corrections training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Soon after he joined the staff at Naval Brig Norfolk, Flood assumed greater responsibly when he qualified as a correctional counselor working to rehabilitate prisoners in his charge.

"Assignment to brig staff provides exceptional opportunities for members to enhance their leadership qualities without regard to their military specialty," said Timothy Purcell, deputy director Corrections & Programs, Navy Personnel Command, who joined Flood at the ACA conference. "The Navy has taken an assertive role in military corrections by notable commitment to professionalism, application to rehabilitation programs, and adherence to standards of the American Correctional Association."

Flood is one of 600 Sailors currently staffing the Navy's consolidated brigs, pretrial confinement facilities and brig detachments around the world. Brig assignments fall under shore special programs detailing and provide Sailors an opportunity to gain experience outside their enlisted rating.

Flood said the driving philosophy of Navy corrections is to return prisoners back to the Navy or society better prepared to be productive and offense-free individuals.

"Rehabilitating these individuals back into society or giving them a second chance at serving their country is a win/win situation for them and for society as a whole," said Flood. "As brig staff you aren't just keepers of the gate, you are the gateway to a better society.

Sailors can learn more about brig duty in the shore special programs section of the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website at npc.navy.mil.