Special Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. WASHINGTON (NNS) — Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. released the following Independence Day message July 1:
“The Fourth of July holiday is traditionally a time best spent with family and friends as we celebrate our nation’s birthday and democracy itself. During your well earned time off this week, please take a few moments to consider the privilege of living in a free society and the kind of sacrifice required to ensure that freedom.
Many of you will be driving our nation’s freeways, anxious to return home or travel to see friends and loved ones. No matter the length of the trip, travel during the holidays carries with it a great deal of risk that must be managed.
If you are a motorcyclist, take special precautions. The numbers of deaths and injuries are rising this year, especially on sport bikes. Understand the dangers involved with your machine. Until you do, you are an accident waiting to happen.
Shipmates, few places in the world will be more dangerous than the highways during this holiday. I ask that you use common sense and take the same kind of precautions while driving that you would before any of the hazardous work you do at your commands.
Since 2000, the Navy lost an average of one Sailor in a motor vehicle accident and one Sailor in a recreational incident each 4th of July holiday. That may seem low, or even acceptable. Let me assure you it is not. A single loss of life is one too many. The family of that Sailor will never consider their loved one an acceptable statistic, and I feel the same.
I believe the safety of our Sailors and their families, even while on liberty, is a leadership responsibility. I expect our chiefs and first class petty officers to be involved with every aspect of a Sailors’ trip planning. Ensuring the well being of our men and women in uniform is not micro management. It’s good leadership. Exercise it.
Shipmates, I’m proud to serve with each of you. Enjoy your holiday. Celebrate with the rest of our great nation, but do so intelligently.
Your families will appreciate you arriving a few hours later than planned if it means you and your loved ones get there safely.”
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