Oceana Training Unit Recognized for Outstanding Safety Program

By Steve Vanderwerff, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va. (NNS) -- Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Oceana received Naval Education and Training Command's (NETC) 2010 Award for Achievement in Safety during NETC's professional development conference in San Diego March 6.

The award recognizes CNATTU Oceana's contribution to the quality of safety and high-risk training safety programs throughout NETC's domain.

To maintain safe and healthy working conditions and instill a safety-first mentality in staff and students, CNATTU Oceana implemented training and awareness programs, as well as Navy Occupational Safety & Health (NAVOSH) and operational risk management (ORM) programs.

According to Cmdr. Alan Dean, commanding officer, CNATTU Oceana, the strength and success of its overall safety program is evident by its 78 percent reduction in on duty mishaps, 67 percent decrease in off-duty mishaps, 100 percent reduction in private motor vehicle mishaps, zero military lost workday/lost time rate and a nine year record of zero civilian lost workday/lost time rate.

"We've made safety our top priority and an integral part of our entire training culture," said Dean. "This award recognizes the remarkable efforts of our staff. Day in and day out, they execute our training mission while taking care of themselves and the more than 2,500 students who attend classes at CNATTU Oceana throughout the year."

CNATTU Oceana pursued an aggressive approach toward mishap reduction by continuously developing and implementing effective processes using available knowledge and technology.

A key element to the success of its safety program was its enlisted safety committee. Together, they discussed safety concerns, applied ORM concepts, provided information to the commanding officer and safety council; and used skits to define, discuss and illustrate safety concerns in its monthly training, which resulted in a 74 percent reduction in on and off duty mishaps.

Weekly ORM briefs were given to staff and students about liberty policies, underage drinking, driving under the influence, safe operation of a motor vehicle and general risk management. More than 376 hours of traffic safety training was conducted for staff and students.

Additionally, CNATTU Oceana ensured that motorcycle riders and potential riders attended mandatory motorcycle operational safety training and complete a basic motorcycle rider safety course, experienced rider course or sport bike rider course depending on skill level.

During 2010, the unit had zero ergonomic discrepancies, zero motor vehicle mishaps, and zero motorcycle mishaps.

CNATTU Oceana provides specialized technical training to Sailors and Marines for initial rate 'A' schools, F/A-18 Hornets, Super Hornets and automated test equipment to sustain all facets of aviation maintenance and support, by meeting validated fleet requirements through a range of professional and personal growth. Courses include blended learning including standard classrooms, hands-on labs, simulations and computer-based training.