Watching out for their own is a common theme for all service members, no matter the branch.

One way Sailors looks out for other Sailors is the Navy Safe Ride program.

“We had gone almost a year without a DUI,” said Capt. Michael Fisher, commander of the Navy Information Operations Command Georgia, about the program which provides a safe alternative to driving while intoxicated. “That changed when we had a couple in quick succession.”

A look at the numbers revealed the use of the service had dropped by 70 percent during the same period in which the DUIs occurred, he said.

The program is simple. Sailors volunteer to pick up intoxicated Sailors and take them home. There’s a central cell phone passed among the volunteers so the phone number stays the same.

Unfortunately, it seemed the word wasn’t getting out so Fisher got personally involved.

Fisher asked his Sailors the names of some of their favorite area bars.

About three weeks ago, Fisher donned his dress uniform and paid some visits to those watering holes frequented by his Sailors. With fliers in hand, he asked owners or managers to post a sign advertising the free service.

“We were blown away by the response,” he said.

They were more than happy to post the signs, and Fisher said the results were immediate and amazing.

“The use (of the service) was going through the roof,” he said.

The following week Fisher made another visit to a few more area bars with the same request.

Fisher said he plans to follow up again in a few weeks.

The number to the Navy Safe Ride program is (706) 564-8029 or (706) 564-0703.

Fisher said if other units on post are interested in starting a similar program someone from NAVICOM would be willing to offer tips.