Sailors, Marines Have New Safety Advocate

By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- In a Change of Charge ceremony at the Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) July 6 day, Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Susan Whitman took over for Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Dominick Torchia as the enlisted liaison to Rear Adm. Brian Prindle, Commander, NAVSAFECEN, and as the go-to safety advisor for all Sailors and Marines.

Prindle noted the important role of the command master chief (CMC) during the ceremony.

"In the person of the CMC, there is someone committed to the key responsibility of telling the commanding officer what he or she needs to hear, whether or not they want to hear it," he said.

In noting Torchia's unique accomplishments during his role, Prindle said the renewed focus on safety and risk management throughout the fleet tops the list.

"He has made this position and integral part of what the master chief petty officer of the Navy and the Fleet master chiefs think about on a daily basis."

In his remarks to NAVSAFECEN military and civilian staff members, Torchia, who is now the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic CMC, said the command's mission is an important one for the nation's defense.

"This command plays the most important role in saving the resources and lives that allow mission readiness and the preservation of our great nation's freedom," Torchia said. "It the mishaps that don't occur that show our impact."

Whitman, who reported to NAVSAFECEN after serving as CMC onboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) said she is excited to be in the safety business.

"Safety is finally making headway," she said. "It's an important focus in the Secretary of the Navy's 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative and this gives us the teeth needed to continue building a culture of safety throughout the Navy and Marine Corps."

Whitman said she is looking forward to meeting Sailors and Marines around the fleet and being their advocate in all matters regarding safety and risk management.

"I will work very hard to ensure safety is a part of every conversation I am engaged in," she said.