VP-62 Receives Safety Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christian Eskelund, Patrol Squadron 62 Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Patrol Squadron (VP) 62 received the Chief of Naval Operations Naval Aviation Safety Award, also known as the 'Safety S,' for 2011, during a presentation Aug. 13.

 The award was issued in recognition of performance related to quality contributions to the Naval Aviation Safety Program including control of aviation related mishaps, application of safety programs, timely reporting of hazards, and submission of suggestions for improvements pertaining to all appropriate related issues, such as maintenance and various subjective criteria.

 The award was presented to VP-62 by Capt. Eric S. Wiese commodore of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11.

 "This award represents the culmination of 32 years of accident free flying and 100,000 hours of Class A mishap free flying," said Cmdr. Jerry Dearie, VP-62's commanding officer.

 VP-62 safety officer, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Monturo said, "During all of the 1305 hours flown by VP-62 crews in 2011, the squadron sustained zero mishaps, zero injuries and zero loss of workdays, fostering a command climate of safety.

 Squadrons who win this award receive engraved plaques and citations for permanent display, and are entitled to paint a prominent green "S" on their aircraft until the next year's selections are made.

SECNAV Announces 2012 Safety Award Winners

By Mass Communication Specialist Alexandra Snyder, Defense Media Activity - Pentagon Bureau

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Nineteen commands and installations received the 2012 Department of the Navy (DoN) Safety Excellence Award for their safety programs at the U.S. Navy Memorial, July 11 in Washington.

The Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics Vice Adm. Philip Cullom, Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics Lt. Gen. Frank Panter  and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Safety Paul Hanley were on hand to congratulate the winners.

Recipients were awarded a citation, plaque and the Secretary of the Navy's (SECNAV) safety flag, which they are entitled to fly for a year.

 "We must change the way we approach safety because it makes us better warfighters. We must be able to safely operate on ships, aircraft, and ashore, because doing so will make us a more effective fighting force," said Work.

"Our people are our priority. Keeping our Sailors, Marines and civilians safe is of utmost importance because it ensures we are able to keep doing what the Navy and the Marine Corps have always done, which is to innovate and adapt," said Work.

The awards were accepted by representatives from the commands, including command leadership, safety officers and safety petty officers who held the title or collateral duty during the period cited.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) received the Large Deck Combatant Safety Excellence award for having no 'Class A, B or C' mishaps, zero 'Class A or B' operational injuries to personnel, zero 'Class A or B off-duty mishaps, including automobile and motorcycle mishaps and zero significant discrepancies in the annual Commander Naval Air Force Safety and Occupational Health Management Evaluation.

"Just about every aspect of the carrier is an inherently dangerous place to work," said Cmdr. Scott Springer, safety officer aboard the Reagan. "Without the proper policies and procedures in place, there would be no way to combat those dangers, and with so many evolutions going on at the same time, it's important to have full crew buy-in to those precautionary policies."

"You saved lives and property and prevented accidents. On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, I thank you and offer congratulations for your accomplishments," Work said.

Established in 2002 by former SECNAV Gordon R. England, the Safety Excellence Awards are designed to promote safe practices throughout the Department of the Navy and personally recognize those commands that have integrated an awareness of safety in everyday operations, reducing loss in man-hours, material damage, among other factors that may decrease Navy assets.

Navy Advances Electrical Protection for Shipboard Sailors

From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors aboard U.S. Navy ships soon will have new protective clothing for low voltage maintenance work, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced, Jan 26.

A new type of coverall featuring flame resistant fabric and accompanying safety equipment will provide Sailors greater comfort and protection against arc flashes. Sailors will be able to use the coveralls like standard shipboard coveralls while conducting initial voltage verification checks, fuse removal, authorized energized work, or when an electrical circuit breaker is installed or removed.

"The new electrical safety coveralls are designed for initial voltage verification or approved work on energized equipment, and are designed to protect Sailors from inherent heat, excessive pressure," said Khosrow Moniri, NAVSEA electrical systems technical warrant holder.

Sailors can expect to use the coveralls and associated equipment such as a face shield by late spring, on board naval ships with electrical systems between 300 and 1,000 volts, such as Arleigh Burke destroyers.

The clothing compliments existing heavier and bulkier coveralls designed for high voltage verification checks on board naval ships with electrical systems greater than 1,000 volts, such as aircraft carriers.

The low- and high-voltage coveralls are rated at 12-calorie and 40-calorie (per centimeter squared). NAVSEA determined that these ratings adequately provide the required amount of thermal energy protection based on National Fire Protection Association and U.S. naval warship design criteria. The calorie/cm-squared rating represents a value of the energy necessary to pass through any given fabric to cause a 50 percent probability of a second or third degree burn.

Both types of coveralls protect Sailors against arc flashes, which occur when an electrical current passes through air gaps between ungrounded conductors or between conductors and grounded components. Use of electrical systems on board U.S. Navy ships is increasing rapidly. Accordingly, the probability of arc flashes increases as well. The blast or explosion that results from arc flash may be fatal or cause major injuries such as burns, the loss of eyesight and hearing.

"While arc flashes don't happen often, this new safety equipment represents a significant advancement in how we protect our Sailors," said Moniri.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 Marks 160,000 Mishap-Free Hours

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 "Seahawks" recognized a milestone of 160,000 operational hours without a Class A mishap Aug. 8.

A Class A mishap is defined as an incident with a total cost of more than $1 million, destroyed aircraft, fatal injury or total disability. HSM-41, which began service as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light 41 in 1983, has accumulated the hours over the course of the fleet replacement squadron's lifetime.

HSM-41 quality assurance representative, Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Philbert Wiggan, a New York City native, explained the significance of the achievement.

"We're keeping the standard of safety Navy-wide. Our maintenance is by the book, and we're keeping to the command statement to train pilots and air crew to go out and protect the nation," said Wiggan. "For me personally, I know we've been doing our job right for 20-plus years, keeping aircraft in the air with no mishaps."

Wiggan credited an environment of collaboration to the squadron's success.

"When we get people who have been doing this for a while, and they have something to bring to the table, we'll we'll take it to keep our standard high. And with that, we can all go to our next command or that next platform and spread that knowledge," he said.

Wiggan explained the challenge of preparing for the varied environments and missions the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter HSM-41 trains personnel to operate in.

"It's such a diverse aircraft. It can carry people, conduct antisubmarine warfare, logistics, pretty much anything you need," said Wiggan. "There's any number of things that can happen, so we train harder than we fight. Then the people we train are prepared to face whatever challenges come up."

Wiggan emphasized the importance of acknowledging the past as well as looking to the future.

"This wasn't just achieved by those of us here today. This was done by those who came before us, and we have to keep striving. Keep that standard high so we can leave something to those we've trained to replace us," said Wiggan.

Yokosuka Increases Summer Safety Awareness for Sailors

By Mark Elrod, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hosted its 5th annual Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness Fair, May 25.

Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hopes such events will help reduce, or thwart summer mishaps by raising awareness.

"With the arrival of summer, many of us are going to start working and playing outside a lot more in the heat and humidity," said CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen. "Last summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were 28 Sailors and Marines, who, unfortunately died, and they all could have been averted in what they were doing.

"We need to refresh our memories on how to keep ourselves safe. We need to remember things like ORM (Operational Risk Management). It does not only apply at work, but also at home," Owen said.

The event marks the beginning of a concentrated, proactive stance that CFAY takes regarding the safety of its service members, civilians and family members.

"This is the kickoff of our 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign," said CFAY Safety Officer Kordeen Kor. "We brought people in from a series of different vendors to be able to provide information to the Sailors and civilians who are working here at CFAY to help them get through the summer safely."

During the event, attendees had an opportunity to receive free literature, American Red Cross CPR demonstrations, auto-impact airbag demonstrations by Japanese police, a demonstration on the effects of alcohol by CFAY Security, and CNFJ Regional Fire Department provided an earthquake simulator and offered fire prevention tips.

Providing the information is only the first elements in promoting safety, these elements rely on implementation by community members.

"[People should] make sure they are in shape for what they want to do," said Kor. "Make sure they have done their operational risk management; that they have gone through and identified any hazards or potential hazards; that they have assessed those; they've made a risk decision and that they've implemented any controls that are necessary to make sure they can be safe."

"I challenge you all to help each other by helping our families, our friends, and other members of our community, in preventing these tragedies that can occur when people don't manage a risk," said Owen. "Being safe is something we take seriously. Whether you're driving a vehicle, or playing softball… the last thing we want is to lose friends or family members to something that they could have avoided."

Yokosuka Increases Summer Safety Awareness for Sailors

By Mark Elrod, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hosted its 5th annual Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness Fair, May 25.

Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hopes such events will help reduce, or thwart summer mishaps by raising awareness.

"With the arrival of summer, many of us are going to start working and playing outside a lot more in the heat and humidity," said CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen. "Last summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were 28 Sailors and Marines, who, unfortunately died, and they all could have been averted in what they were doing.

"We need to refresh our memories on how to keep ourselves safe. We need to remember things like ORM (Operational Risk Management). It does not only apply at work, but also at home," Owen said.

The event marks the beginning of a concentrated, proactive stance that CFAY takes regarding the safety of its service members, civilians and family members.

"This is the kickoff of our 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign," said CFAY Safety Officer Kordeen Kor. "We brought people in from a series of different vendors to be able to provide information to the Sailors and civilians who are working here at CFAY to help them get through the summer safely."

During the event, attendees had an opportunity to receive free literature, American Red Cross CPR demonstrations, auto-impact airbag demonstrations by Japanese police, a demonstration on the effects of alcohol by CFAY Security, and CNFJ Regional Fire Department provided an earthquake simulator and offered fire prevention tips.

Providing the information is only the first elements in promoting safety, these elements rely on implementation by community members.

"[People should] make sure they are in shape for what they want to do," said Kor. "Make sure they have done their operational risk management; that they have gone through and identified any hazards or potential hazards; that they have assessed those; they've made a risk decision and that they've implemented any controls that are necessary to make sure they can be safe."

"I challenge you all to help each other by helping our families, our friends, and other members of our community, in preventing these tragedies that can occur when people don't manage a risk," said Owen. "Being safe is something we take seriously. Whether you're driving a vehicle, or playing softball… the last thing we want is to lose friends or family members to something that they could have avoided."

Firearms Safety Vital Aboard Navy Ships

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Koons

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors received a refresher course on the basics of gun handling during a firearms safety training session aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) April 7.

"There are four rules that you must observe at all times when you have a firearm in your possession," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Reginald Allen, the lead instructor for the session. "The first is to treat every weapon as if it were loaded; the second is to never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot at; the third is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire; and the fourth, is to make sure your weapon is on safe until you are ready to fire."

For Allen, the training session also offered a chance to remind Sailors of the basics of checking out and returning guns to the ship's armory, a process that is just as important as standing the watches themselves.

"When checking out a 9 mm handgun, you must ensure that you have 15 rounds in your magazine," said Allen. "If you come back to the armory with only 14 rounds, they'll think you lost one of them. When checking out an M-16, you need to make sure your magazine is firmly inserted. If it's not, it could fall in the water if you are standing watch on the flight deck."

While standing watches, Sailors must be vigilant about keeping their weapons in the proper, non-firing condition, said Allen.

"A shotgun can easily go into Condition One (ready to fire) if you push its slide with your elbow," he said. "A small mistake like this can lead to tragedy."

Allen also reminded watch standers that before assuming control of a weapon, they must be in the proper state of mind.

"If you are tired right before you go on watch, you need to let your section leader know, because he can switch you out with someone else if necessary," Allen said.

The major goal of the training was teaching Sailors the importance of standing their armed watches in a proper manner, said Allen.

"Weapons are not toys; they don't kill people, those who fire them do," he said. "Whenever you are handling a gun, pay close attention to what you are doing because you don't want it to be on your conscience that you hurt or killed someone."

For Sailors working in Wasp's armory, ensuring proper gun-handling procedures during weapons check-out and return is paramount and a never-ending job.

"We tell them not to do anything until we instruct them to do so," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Aaron Anderson. "If they try to skip ahead, we stop them."

Having watch standers follow exact instructions could mean the difference between life and death.

"The worst thing that could happen would be a negligent discharge," said Anderson. "If a gun is not placed in the clearing barrel and it goes off, someone could get killed."

Because of this risk, the armory is very stringent on the safety measures it has laid down, said Anderson.

"For the safety of everyone involved, only one person can be down here at a time loading or unloading their weapon," he said.

Many Wasp armed watchstanders describ their job as one that requires the utmost attention to detail.

"You need to know the different weapons conditions, when it is all right for you to use your weapon, and how you should use it," said Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class (SW/AW) Brandon Staples. "If you know all of these things, you should be able to do your job correctly."

U.S. Navy, Coast Guard Reach Out to Mariners to Improve Boater Education

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Mary Popejoy, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- U.S. Navy and Coast Guard leaders met with local mariners who own or operate a marina in the vicinity of Little Creek and Fishermans Cove, Va., to discuss naval vessel protection zones, Feb. 10.

The meeting focused on naval vessel protection zones, and how they can work together to increase safety and security, and improve recreational boater education and awareness.

The Coast Guard and Navy recently conducted a review of operations in the Little Creek inlet as a result of routine interactions between recreational boaters and Navy warships transiting the inlet channel.

The review revealed there are significant benefits and opportunities to continuously improve and further develop a strong partnership with the recreational boating community to reduce small vessel risk.

"To prevent a Cole-style attack we need to be able to detect the small vessel threat," said U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Jerry Barnes, chief, Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Prevention Department. "Naval vessel protection zones assist us in that endeavor, which is why we do education and outreach initiatives that focus on naval vessel protection zones. In the Little Creek channel, compliance with the naval vessel protection zone means a boater must exit the channel when a Navy warship is approaching."

According to 14 United States Code 91, vessels within 500 yards of a U.S. naval vessel must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain safe course and proceed as directed by the official patrol, and are not allowed within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel. These zones are necessary to provide for the safety and security of the U.S. naval vessels in the navigable waters of the U.S.

"By maintaining these required distances, the military can focus on other elements that may pose a threat to our military vessels," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael Brunner, commander, U.S. Second Fleet anti-terrorism officer. "If we're all on the same page, the mariners can enjoy their time on the water and the military can transit without any issues."

In addition to maintaining a safe distance away from military vessels, those in attendance discussed ways to increase outreach effectiveness such as renewing the focus on vessel-to-vessel communication via the Very High Frequency radio, loud hailer, ship whistle, etc.; shore-to-vessel communication through the use of prominently displayed signs; and leveraging existing partnerships to include the local Area Maritime Security Committee, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, state and local law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Power Squadron and local yacht clubs.

"The USCG marina owners/operators also made several suggestions to improve the outreach program by including an offer to post a number of informational signs at the boat ramps and access way to their boat slips, to keep the message current with the boaters," said Brunner.

As the local Coast Guard and Navy leaders and mariners who own or operate a marina in the vicinity of Little Creek and Fishermans Cove, Va., partner together to improve boater education and outreach initiatives of naval vessel protection zones, the overall goal is to ensure safe travels on the waterways.

"They have a central role in homeland security, and their ideas and input can help us strike the right balance between personal freedom, national security, recreation and commerce," said Barnes. "At the end of the day, we want the local mariners to enjoy their time on the water, but we also want them to keep in mind the requirements in place for military vessels."

Safety and preparation key in Dungeness crab fishery

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Written by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn

The waters of the Pacific Northwest offer some of the most treacherous yet bountiful work opportunities in the world. Dungeness crab fleets hailing from Oregon and Washington state are among the world’s elite. The reward for their toils, however, often comes with a price.

Commercial fishing is the deadliest occupation in the United States, and the Pacific Northwest’s Dungeness crab fishery is no exception. Over the course of the past decade, 27 fishermen died while working the Dungeness fishery. This is 27 too many, and the Coast Guard is committed to educating the fleet and instilling the right attitude for those in the industry, as confronting the risks inherent with crabbing in the Pacific Ocean require preparation, proper education and a survivor’s attitude.

Curt Farrell, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinator for Marine Safety Unit Portland, Ore., and Mike Rudolph, a Coast Guard fishing vessel safety examiner, are passionate about safety. When it was discovered a serious training void existed along the central and southern Oregon coast for fishermen, it was with this passion that led the pair to seek out specialized training through the Alaska Marine Safety and Education Association to become certified drill instructors.

“The safety training that we have provided over the past four years has made the biggest difference in the safety of the fleet than anything else that we do,” said Rudolph. “I get very excited when a fisherman comes to me on the dock months later and says the training I provided helped avert a casualty or saved a life.”

Rudolph’s training efforts recently had a significant impact when the crew of the 66-foot Dungeness crab vessel Michelle Ann experienced a stack fire Dec. 18, 2010, outside Yaquina Bay, Ore.

“We all were facing potential disaster, but thanks to the methodical and highly structured tactics we learned from the safety class, we were able to take proper actions and avoid harm,” said Michelle Ann crewmember Mike Donovan. “No one panicked, we all knew what we had to do and dealt with the issue. No one was hurt.”

The Michelle Ann was able to make it safely to port without being towed, was repaired quickly and back out fishing a few days later.

Commercial Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Courses, promoted by Oregon Sea Grant, provide practical information on survival equipment found on most commercial vessels and on conducting onboard emergency drills. Most valuable for all those enrolled however, is that these skills are learned in a hands-on format.

“The class is very intense,” said Farrell. “Students will be putting on immersion suits, jumping into the water, entering a life raft, fighting a fire, stopping leaks and shooting off flares. They will do realistic emergency drills aboard a fishing vessel with artificial smoke.”

The fishing fleet is a tightly woven community, and the deaths that occur each year are felt by all. Fortunately, it does not have to be this way, and the Coast Guard, Oregon Sea Grant, and Dungeness crab fleet will continue to partner to improve the safety of commercial fishing employment, arming the fishing fleet with the skills that could one day save their lives.

Deck the Hulls: Boating safety course

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Post co-authored by Michael Baron, USCG Recreational Boating Safety Specialist.

Looking for the perfect gift for the boater on your holiday list? The holiday season is a perfect time to arm your friends and family with safe boating essentials. No matter what the time or temperature, it is always important to encourage your loved ones to “boat responsibly.” Over the next two weeks the Compass will feature gift-giving ideas that every boating enthusiast will love, but more importantly will keep them safe.

Enrolling your loved one in a boating safety course is one of the best gifts to give, because, as the saying goes…knowledge is power.

A knowledgable mariner will teach your favorite boater basic boat handling principles, required and recommended safety equipment, navigational rules and how to deal with boating emergencies. Statistics show that boaters who have taken a boating safety course are far less likely to be involved in a boating accident or fatality.

Boating safety courses are offered nationwide by qualified state and volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons. There are also private and commercial providers who offer training for all levels of boating proficiency.

Courses can be taken in a traditional classroom setting, or for the busy boater, some courses are internet or computer-based, affording the boater the opportunity to learn in the comfort of their own home and on their own time.

Courses are offered throughout the year with many different pricing options. Some have a nominal fee, and there are even courses available for free, perfect for those on a tight budget during the holiday season.

Another great thing about gifting a boating safety course is that classes are taught for boaters of all ages, so no matter the age of your loved one, you can supply them with the knowledge that may one day save their life.

You can go online to find courses from the Coast Guard Auxiliary here, or the U.S. Power Squadrons here. Also, don’t forget to check with your state’s boating agency to see what courses are offered in you area.

Whether a beginning boater or a seasoned sailor with years on the water, taking a recreational boating safety course will teach them the latest in safe boating. Enrolling someone in a boating safety course also gives you a gift back in return – the peace of mind that your beloved boating enthusiast is more prepared on the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard asks all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!”