Just One 6-Pack: NAS Pensacola Limits Alcohol Sales as Discipline Problems Increase

Naval Air Station Pensacola leaders have decided to limit alcohol sales due to an increase of alcohol-related misbehavior from junior enlisted service members on the base, according to a spokesperson.

Troops in the rank of E-3 and below are limited to purchasing one six-pack of beer per day from the Florida base's Navy Exchange because of "an increase in alcohol-related incidents involving this demographic of service members," said Jason Bortz, a base spokesman.

Bortz said drinking-related incidents constitute "conduct that we do not expect our service members to be a part of while on NAS Pensacola," but would not elaborate further on the nature of the base's disciplinary issues.

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The popular social media page "U.S Army WTF! Moments" posted a photo March 1 showing a sign taped to a refrigerator door that read, "Attention Valued Customers: E3 and below are restricted to ONE six pack of beer per day."

The spokesman said that Capt. Tim Kinsella, commanding officer of NAS Pensacola, and subordinate commanders were in agreement with the decision. The restrictions will remain in effect at the installation -- the second-largest naval training base -- until there is a reduction in alcohol-related incidents.

Troops can still access the Portside Club, Bortz said, which is available for "all single or unaccompanied service members." The club will not restrict alcohol sales.

"Alcohol-related incidents can result in administrative discipline that not only impacts service members, but [also] the training cycles on base," he added.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

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