Vella Gulf Employs Crew Skits During SAAM Training

By Ensign Jared Griffin and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

USS VELLA GULF, At Sea - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) held a series of skits to inform Sailors during Sexual Abuse Awareness Month (SAAM), Apr. 11-13.

Vella Gulf Sailors conducted the training, which included informational presentations and coordinated skits acted out by ship’s crew.

“Sexual harassment is a very serious issue,” said Gas Turbine System (Mechanical) 3rd Class Alfred A. Mack. “To be involved in the training and skits made me feel like I was truly able to help others, and I learned a little bit myself.”

The training was supplemented by daily facts to support the overall theme for the Department of Defense, “Hurts One, Affects All”, credit of the successful skits was placed on the Sailors that performed the training.

“The training was very informative and brought much attention to a subject too often ignored,” Ensign Bradley Robinson said. “Our sexual assault prevention and response team did a fine job explaining the severity of sexual abuse and the burdens placed on the victims.”

Sailors that attended the training were pleased they participated and thought the skits brought a higher understanding of the program and hope to share the information with others.

Fire Controlman 3rd Class Deanna Mosley, another participant in the skits said, “I’m proud to be able to participate in the skits and training to bring awareness to those in the Navy so they can take what they learn to their families and friends back home.”

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of the Navy is working to aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims, and to hold offenders accountable.

Vella Gulf, homeported out of Norfolk, Va., is conducting theater security cooperation and maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.