Petty Officer 2nd Class David Krigbaum

Capt. Colin Walsh, Naval Support Activity Bahrain commanding officer, briefed sailors during NSA Bahrain’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response stand down, June 17. The intent of this stand-down is to ensure service members clearly understand SAPR principles and the resources available. (U.S. Navy photograph by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashante Hammons

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN, Bahrain – The command triad of Naval Support Activity Bahrain conducted a sexual assault prevention and response stand-down, June 17-19.

All Navy commands have been directed to conduct a SAPR stand-down between June 10 and July 1. The intent of this stand-down is to ensure service members clearly understand SAPR principles and the resources available.

“We own this problem now and we’re going to eradicate it,” said Capt. Colin Walsh, NSA Bahrain’s commanding officer.

The commanding officer, executive officer, and command master chief conducted the interactive training with sailors to discuss their roles in eliminating sexual assault, creating an environment with no stigma or shame, and upholding the Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment. The material presented during the stand-down builds upon the previous SAPR-fleet and SAPR-leadership trainings.

“This training focuses on every sailor, no matter what rate or rank, on being able to make a difference in preventing sexual assault. We honor the sailor’s creed and the Navy core values and must do the right thing by helping one another in need. As sailors, we must stand up for each other,” said Cmdr. Leif Hammersmark, NSA Bahrain executive officer. “One person can make a difference.”

The training focused on sailors taking an active role as bystanders on and off base. Command leadership encouraged sailors to speak up when there was an uncomfortable situation at hand.

“Everyone must be held accountable for their actions, whether on duty or off,” said Hammersmark. “Leadership starts from the deck plates on up.”

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Aston Asamoah believed the training was very helping and demonstrated how important this topic is throughout the Navy.

“The speakers had their own set of messages that revolved around everyone being a leader,” said Asamoah. “They also backed their points with their experiences. These people given the training have been in the Navy for a long time, which means they have seen much. So for them to share their knowledge and experience with us was a step in the right direction.”

The training included Fleet and Family Support Center counselors, chaplains, judge advocate general personnel, and leadership throughout the base.

The sexual assault prevention and response policy was implemented in October 2005. Its mission is to provide tools and guidance to educate military members on the prevention sexual assault.

As part of the stand-down, the Navy will conduct an active review of credentials and qualifications of recruiters, sexual assault response coordinator’s, victim advocates, training center and institutional instructors, recruit training center division commanders, NCIS investigators, sexual assault nurse examiners and those qualified to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations.

For more information on the Navy Sexual Assault and Prevention Program, visit www.sapr.navy.mil.

Connected Media

Leadership starts…
Cmdr. Leif Hammersmark, Naval Support Activity Bahrain…

Leadership starts…
Lt. Cmdr. Robet Keener, Naval Support Activity Bahrain…

Leadership starts…
Capt. Colin Walsh, Naval Support Activity Bahrain…

This work, Leadership starts with you, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.