Pubdate: Wed, 07 Mar 2012 Source: Denver Post (CO) Copyright: 2012 The Denver Post Corp Contact: http://www.denverpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122 Author: Craig Whitlock NAVY TO PLACE BREATH-ANALYSIS MACHINES ABOARD SHIPS IN BID TO FLAG ALCOHOL ISSUES NORFOLK, Va. -In 1913, Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels issued a revolutionary order: no more alcohol aboard ships. According to official Navy myth, sober sailors mocked their boss by nicknaming their coffee - the strongest drink still allowed on board - a "cup of Joe." A century later, current Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is one-upping Daniels, ordering the installation of breath-test machines on all ships and submarines, as well as on Marine Corps bases. One can only imagine how he will go down in naval lore. According to Mabus, the breath tests are not intended as a crackdown but rather to help identify sailors who might be struggling with booze. The alcohol testing is part of a broader new Navy program designed to improve the physical and mental well-being of those having difficulty coping with the stresses of a decade of war. "We are not telling you not to drink, if you are old enough," Mabus told an audience of sailors and Marines on Monday afternoon aboard the USS Bataan at Naval Station Norfolk. "We are telling you that it is important to keep legal, responsible use of alcohol from turning into a problem." All ranks are vulnerable, Mabus said. He noted that 13 of 20 commanding officers recently fired by the Navy admitted afterward that drinking was a contributing factor to their problems. Navy officials said between one-sixth and one-eighth of those reporting for duty on board will be automatically tested at any given time, though others will face random testing. The Navy will take other measures to reduce or prevent unhealthy behavior. It will stop subsidizing cigarette sales on bases and increase smoking-cessation programs, following a complete ban on smoking aboard submarines that took effect last year. The Navy also will begin random testing for synthetic marijuana, known as Spice. The service already does random tests for other drugs. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt