Month: June 2024

Source: United States Navy

Talking to your child about their bodies and sexual health is important in their healthy development from childhood to adulthood.

Commander, Navy Installations Command’s (CNIC’s) Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) help families overcome the negative stigma of these discussions through a series of webinars titled, “SHAPE” (Sexual Health through Approachable Prevention and Education).

“SHAPE webinars are designed for parents and caregivers who are seeking information on how to discuss sexual health and development with their child,” said Amy Fustino, MSS, MLSP, LCSW, clinical analyst with CNIC. “It’s also for parents who have a child who has exhibited or is impacted by problematic sexual behavior or PSB-CY (Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth).”

SHAPE gives parents and caregivers information and tools to effectively respond to their child’s sexual behaviors and questions. Facilitators teach parents appropriate terminology to identify body parts in discussions with their child, using person-first language to express behavior and promote healing in incidents of PSB-CY.

SHAPE was developed to help parents and caregivers become proactive partners to support healthy child sexual development and prevent or reduce problematic sexual behavior. The webinars give parents age-appropriate responses with factual and honest conversations.

“What you say to a nine-year-old is completely different than what you would say to a teenager; however, it should always be factual and honest,” said Fustino. “These classes give parents the information to understand what is normative and expected at each age and builds their confidence by providing specific examples on how they can respond to their child at various ages.”

Fustino added a child’s sexual development is a vital aspect of a child’s overall growth, covering biological, psychological, and social dimensions.

“Despite its importance, many parents feel ill-equipped to talk about this sensitive subject confidently,” she said. “Often, discussions are delayed until a child reaches puberty, yet research indicates that early and frequent education, beginning as early as two years old, produces the best results.”

By supplying parents with accurate information and age-appropriate communication strategies, parents will in turn, be able to empower their children to grow in supportive environments where they can explore their development and sexuality, set boundaries, and confidently seek assistance. Additionally, such education enables parents to identify and address signs of abuse or problematic behavior, thereby safeguarding their children’s well-being.

SHAPE gives parents the tools they need to proactively talk with their children about sexual health and development topics through demonstrations, videos, and practical exercises.

SHAPE is a modular course that allows learners to attend sections most relevant to their child’s age group. For example:

• Module 1 – Introduces an overview of the facts and sets the tone for language. Modules two through five cover the developmental stages, age-appropriate behaviors, and communication strategies.
• Module 2 – for ages 2-4
• Module 3 – for ages 5-9
• Module 4 – for ages 10-12
• Module 5 – for ages 13-18 years old.

This parenting curriculum was designed to be in person at your local FFSC but has now been modified to be offered virtually.

“I think this program helps to bridge the gap. Frankly, this is a difficult topic for most and this curriculum helps to make it approachable,” said Fustino. “This curriculum represents a fundamental step towards fostering healthy sexual development and mitigating problematic behaviors and instances of abuse in children.”

Fustino, with more than a decade of experience with CNIC, stated if parents are not teaching their children and having these discussions about sexual development and sexual behavior, they will learn from someone or somewhere else.

“Today’s kids live in a world where so much can be found online, which is not safeguarded. As parents, we need to ensure that what they learn and are exposed to is appropriate,” she said. “Parents should be proactive in supporting their child’s sexual development in the same ways that they support other areas of their development. When parents encourage open communication and understanding from an early age, children are better equipped to assert their rights, comprehend appropriate relationship boundaries, and seek assistance if feeling uneasy or unsafe.”

SHAPE’s goal is to furnish parents with the tools necessary to educate their children on body autonomy, boundaries, and consent, so they can prevent and reduce the risk of sexual behaviors, abuse, and exploitation. Armed with accurate information and support, parents can navigate distress, secure assistance for their children, and foster a positive outlook for the future.

To learn more about the SHAPE webinars and register:

• Step 1: Log on or make a free account at www.MyNavyFamily.com. Follow the on-screen instructions. (NOTE: Be sure to enter your time zone)
• Step 2: Click the “Virtual SHAPE” icon on the home page to access the SHAPE portal for details and resources.
• Step 3: Click the “Upcoming Webinars” tab for course descriptions/upcoming schedules.
• Step 4: Click your chosen date to register. Receive reminder emails and a personal access link.

For more information contact your installation’s FFSC at FFSC Directory (navy.mil).

Source: United States Navy

If you’re hitting the beach this summer, Naval Safety Command urges you to be mindful of water conditions and associated risks. Rip currents account for more than 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents are the No. 1 hazard at a surf beach, leading to tens of thousands of rescues by lifeguards and over 100 drowning fatalities every year in the United States.

The National Oceanic and Administration Association describes rip currents as powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the United States, as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes. In some cases, rip currents have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second, pulling even the strongest swimmers out from shore. Rip currents can be as narrow as 10 or 20 feet in width, though some may be up to 10 times wider. The length of the rip current also varies. Rip currents begin to slow down as they move offshore, beyond the breaking waves, but sometimes extend for hundreds of feet beyond the surf zone.

When looking for rip currents, some visual clues include a narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater; a channel of churning, choppy water; a difference in the water’s color and a line of foam and seaweed or debris moving seaward.

What to do if caught in a rip current:

· Relax, rip currents don’t pull you under.

· Don’t swim against the current.

· You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.

· You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore.

· If you feel you can’t reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance.

What should you do if you see someone caught in a rip current? Do not get caught in a rip current trying to save someone else. Throw them a flotation device, get help from the Beach Patrol and call emergency services. Do not attempt a swimming rescue unless you have been trained to rescue a person in the water, are a strong swimmer and have flotation for the victim to hang on to when you reach them.

Well, what about rip tides? Are they the same? Not to be confused with rip currents are rip tides. While the terms are often confused, rip currents differ from rip tides. A rip tide is a specific type of current associated with the swift movement of tidal water through inlets and the mouths of estuaries, embayments and harbors. Like rip currents, one must remain vigilant and practice good risk management in these locations.

Don’t become a statistic. To help you and those around you stay safe and manage risk, stay aware of the weather, the ocean, the tide and what is happening around you. Inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes far out at sea, can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day.

In the United States, you can visit NWS Offices Issuing Surf Zone Forecasts (weather.gov) to see the latest water conditions before you head to the beach.

For more information on rip currents and riptides, you can visit What is a rip current? (noaa.gov)

Source: United States Navy

The civilian vessel issued a man-overboard distress call. Responding to the call, an MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 74, deployed on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) immediately began search and rescue (SAR) efforts.

The aircrew located the person, lifted them via basket, and transported them to IKE. The civilian mariner was medically evaluated and treated aboard ship. The mariner was flown off ship for follow-on care ashore.

“Rendering assistance to distressed mariners is a mission that the entire carrier strike group takes very seriously, and it is just the right thing to do,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “As proof of their training, the aircrew responded swiftly and professionally. We are always prepared.”

IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.

Source: United States Navy

Constitution’s current and 77th commanding officer, Commander Billie J. Farrell, will be relieved by Commander Crystal L. Schaefer.

The 500 guest ceremony will be broadcast live on USS Constitution’s Facebook page.

USS Constitution will be closed for public visitation during the ceremony but will reopen from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Commander Schaefer will become the 78th captain of USS Constitution in the ship’s 226-year history, dating back to 1797.

Commander Schaefer previously served as the Assistant Reactor Officer aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77).

She is a native of Medford, Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

As USS Constitution’s crew welcomes Commander Schaefer, they will say farewell to the ship’s out-going commanding officer, Commander Farrell.

USS Constitution is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for public visitation. USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State.

She played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

The active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.

Source: United States Navy

The aircraft are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU (SOC), which is currently deployed with the U.S. Navy Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). While based at Ronneby Airport, the detachment is capable of self-sustaining and self-deploying in support of various events with NATO Allies during BALTOPS 24.

“Our self-deploying and self-sustaining detachment demonstrates the ARG-MEU’s ability to project force more than 900 nautical miles and establish a forward operating base in the Baltic region,” said Lt. Col. Cory Jobst, commanding officer, VMM-365 (REIN). “This expeditionary advanced base is a historic first with our longstanding partner, and newest NATO Ally, Sweden.”

The USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS New York (LPD 21), with the Wasp ARG and embarked 24th MEU (SOC), are participating in BALTOPS 24. The Wasp ARG-24th MEU (SOC) is deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations to support high-end warfighting exercises while demonstrating speed and agility in a dynamic security environment.

BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime focused military exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

BALTOPS 24 is also part of the U.S. Department of Defense exercise series, Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE). LSGE is an umbrella term that incorporates several exercises and military activities, which enable the U.S. Joint Force to train with Allies and partners and improve shared understanding, trust and interoperability on security challenges across the globe.

While the exercise is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, it will be command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal.

Details of BALTOPS activities and imagery are available at http://www.c6f.navy.mil. Media interested in covering the exercise should contact the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Public Affairs Office at mail to: cne_cna_c6fpao@us.navy.mil.