Victim advocacy and intervention. This component includes a highly responsive victim advocate system which provides immediate and continuing support to sexual assault and rape victims. The collection of accurate data on sexual assault and rape is critical for program planning, enhancing prevention efforts, analyzing our effectiveness in processing cases, and ensuring a sensitive and standardized response system to sexual assault and rape Navy-wide. The first training for SAVI coordinators and FSC counselors was held in September. Those in command will support and publicize the SAVI program, and establish an atmosphere of zero tolerance of sexual assault and rape.
Ponce is the second U.S. ship to visit the city since the Ukraine gained independence.
The Ponce will be open for tours by the general public Feb. 25 and 26. There will be static displays detailing Marine Corps ground equipment, shipboard fire fighting and damage control techniques, as well as amphibious assault capabilities. USS Ponce is in its fourth month of a six month deployment as part of the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group. From the most basic evolutions, such as flag hoist drills, to complex multinational battle group operations, the ARG's Navy-Marine Corps team has succeeded in making its interoperability the envy of all seafaring nations. Interoperability is not attained by accident, it is stressed at the lowest level and exercised with regularity.