Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

CORONADO, Calif. - A USS Boxer (LHD 4) Sailor recently decided to become a new member of the ship's chapter of the Coalition of Sailors against Destructive Decisions (CSADD).

Damage Control Fireman Roberto Fernandez Jr. represented the amphibious assault ship at the CSADD rally held at Naval Base Coronado.

"The goal of the rallies is to thank CSADD members for what they are doing," said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Keith Wright, CSADD coordinator and organizer of the rallies. "We hope to hold it annually."

"CSADD is a program that was established to help promote the idea of peer to peer mentoring and is for the proactive Sailor that wants to make a change," said Wright.

The rally kicked off with a motivating talk from Wright. Next, guest speakers were introduced and covered an array of topics such as the dangers of trending drugs, financial management and stress operation.

"The topics covered were chosen by CSADD members themselves," said Wright. "We asked CSADD members to think outside the box and got feedback from them. Using local assets was the best way to go about this."

The rally's theme was "Navigating Success," and included two comedy acts. The first act discussed alcohol and its effects on Sailors. The second act covered sexual assault awareness.

Fernandez said both of the comedy acts were his favorite. "There was audience participation in the show and there never was a dull moment. I was engaged," he said.

The rally concluded with a beach picnic and group activities on the sand.

"It was a great way to network face to face and is the preferred form of communication to date," said Wright about the rally.

Fernandez hopes to continue participating in future CSADD events, and hopes to see the function grow. "It has the potential for it to become something greater," he said.

CSADD was first conceptualized in June 2009 and currently has 250 registered chapters Navy-wide. Boxer CSADD chapter has been operating as a registered chapter for almost six months and is continuously growing.

Boxer is currently undergoing a planned maintenance availability, and the crew is training to maintain proficiency in preparation to return to the fleet.