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SUBJ/2023 SECNAV/CNO/CMC HOLIDAY SAFETY MESSAGE// 
 
RMKS/1.  As the holiday season approaches, we extend our heartfelt greetings 
to our dedicated Sailors, Marines, civilians, and families valiantly serving 
our country across the globe.  It's the time of year when families and 
friends come together, or if separated by distance or events, meet in spirit 
and affection by exchanging well wishes and gifts. 
 
2.  During this holiday season, we encourage each of you to take some time to 
reflect, recharge, and where possible, spend quality time with your friends, 
family, and loved ones.  Building, renewing, and strengthening these personal 
relationships increases our resiliency and helps ensure we perform our best 
as we carry out the Nation's work. 
 
3.  While this season is one of joy for many, the holidays can also be a 
period of hardship and stress.  Remind those with whom you serve that we are 
one family.  Take the time to observe and interact with those around you and 
look for those who might need a friend or a place to visit during the 
season.  Additionally, take advantage of resources such as Fleet and Family 
Support Centers, Marine and Family Support, command's chaplain, and the 
Military Crisis Line.  The Navy and Marine Corps have programs to support 
Sailors and Marines with recent suicidal thoughts or attempts.  The "Sailor 
Assistance & Intercept for Life" (SAIL) program in the United States Navy 
(USN), and Marine Intercept Program for the United States Marine Corps 
(USMC), are designed to rapidly provide support and maximize outreach during 
a stressful period.  Contact can be made in person or by calling the SAIL 
(USN) or Community Counseling Program (USMC) program office.  If you or 
someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call 988 (press 1) or text 
"Talk" to the Crisis Line at 741-741. 
Call from Overseas: 
In Europe: Call 00800-1273-8255-or DSN 118 
In Korea: Call 0808-555-118 or DSN 118 
In Japan: Call 098-970-8255 or 098-954-0123 from a Japanese cell phone 
 
4.  We also need to keep safety at the forefront of our activities and remind 
others to celebrate responsibly.  The Navy and Marine Corps team continually 
strives to reduce risk on and off duty.  Each year, we see an increase in off 
-duty mishaps attributable to the rise in motor vehicle mishaps during this 
time of year due to holiday travel and inclement weather.  In Fiscal Year 
(FY) 2023, the Department of the Navy experienced some of the highest motor 
vehicle-related deaths in the past 10 years, losing 70 Sailors and Marines to 
off-duty motor vehicle accidents, an increase of 11 over FY 2022.  Sadly, the 
increases in motor vehicle deaths mirror national fatal crash rates.  Driving 
during the winter holidays is riskier than any other time of the year.  We 
need each of you to exercise sound judgment and prioritize safety during the 
holidays.  Take deliberate safety measures such as slowing down, responsibly 
using your cell phone, and buckling your seat belt.  These decisions can mean 
the difference between life and death.  For those who ride motorcycles year-
round, be aware of the hazards associated with increased hours of darkness, 
inclement weather, and unpredictable road conditions.  Obeying posted traffic 
signs, including speed limits, driving defensively, watching weather 
conditions, and applying sound risk management principles to everything we do 
are all steps our family can take to arrive alive.  Please apply these tools 
and best practices to ensure we all have a safe and happy holiday season. 
 
5.  We send our heartfelt gratitude to all of you across the Navy and Marine 
Corps for your selfless service, sacrifice, and support to our Nation.  Your 
honor, courage, and commitment continue to inspire hope and unity.  We are 
humbled and honored to serve with you.  Enjoy the winter holidays and stay 
safe! 
 
6.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, Admiral 
Lisa M. Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, and General Christopher J. 
Mahoney, Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps.// 
 
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