FALL / WINTER 2013

Mission 

Readiness

TRAINING, PROCEDURES, RESOURCES, AND 

CHECKLISTS ARE KEY TO PREPAREDNESS
DECISIONS

RDML Kenneth Norton, Commander, Naval Safety Center

COL Glen Butler, USMC, Deputy Commander

CAPT Richard Jones, USN, Director, Shore and Ground Safety Programs

Mr. James Culpepper, Director, Occupational Health and Industrial Safety Programs

Mr. Derek Nelson, Head, Communications and Marketing Department

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR Evelyn Odango 

DESIGN AND GRAPHICS Allan Amen

John W. Williams

WEB DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT Darlene Savage

EDITORIAL OFFICE

Commander, Naval Safety Center

Attn: Decisions

375 A Street

Norfolk, VA 23511-4399

757-444-3520, ext. 7220 (DSN 564-3520)

Fax: 757-444-6791

Editor’s e-mail: evelyn.odango@navy.mil 

General e-mail: safe-decisions@navy.mil

Shore Mishap Line: 444-3520, ext. 7840/7145

Shore safety e-mail (USN): safe-code40@navy.mil

Shore safety e-mail (USMC): safe-ground@navy.mil

OSH safety e-mail: safe-oshfdbk@navy,mil

SUBMISSIONS 

Submit your stories or news items to: safe-decisions@navy.mil. E-mail letters to: evelyn.

odango@navy.mil or write to: Commander, Naval Safety Center, Attn: Decisions, 375 A 

Street, Norfolk, VA 23511-4399. 

Contents and opinions expressed are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed 

by, the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. Photos 

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Decisions magazine (ISSN: 2167-2431 / ISSN: 2167-244X) is published twice a year: 

Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, and distributed to readers located at shore-based 

commands, deployed with aircraft squadrons and carrier groups, and DoD agencies. 

Decisions is published by Commander, Naval Safety Center, at 375 A Street, Norfolk, 

VA 23511-4399. Periodical postage paid at Norfolk, Va. 

Postmaster: Send address changes to Commander, Naval Safety Center, Attn: 

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The Naval Safety Center Magazine for Shore, Ground and Industrial Operations

Fall-Winter 2013 / Vol. 2, No. 2

NAVAL SAFETY CENTER TECHNICAL ADVISORS

COVER PHOTO: Sgt. Ryan H. Wright, 

squad leader for 3rd Platoon, Company K, 

3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th 

Marine division, practices walking uphill in 

snowshoes at the Allied Training Center in 

Norway. U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance 

Cpl. Marcin Platek

BACK COVER: Naval Safety Center employee, Henry Gruden, awaits clearance on the 

ski slopes of Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe, 

NV. Photo by Kyle Morton

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAMS

Installations and Industrial Safety Ext. 7845

Steven Geiger, CSP steven.geiger@navy.mil

Safety and Occupational Health Manager

Joseph Perfetto joseph.perfetto@navy.mil

Safety and Occupational Health Manager

SHORE/GROUND SAFETY PROGRAMS

Training Safety Division Ext. 7841

LCDR Aubrey Hamlett aubrey.hamlett@navy.mil

Training Safety Division Head

CAPT Andrew Gay andrew.j.gay@navy.mil

Mishap Investigator/Publications Liaison

Traffic and RODS Division Ext. 7842

Michael Borkowski michael.borkowski@navy.mil

Traffic/RODS Specialist (AAA/EVOC)

Weapons Systems Safety Division Ext. 7843

Tactical Systems Safety Investigations Ext. 7844

DJRS/Jump Ext. 7744

GYSGT Joshua Holcomb joshua.j.holcomb@navy.mil

Motor Transport OPS Chief

To contact a safety analyst by phone, call the main number, 757-444-3520 and dial 

the extension at any time during the greeting. 

Need material for your next safety standdown or holiday 

safety brief? Browse our collection of resources to 

complement your activities. 

•	Posters for download

•	Presentations to customize

•	Brochures to hand out

•	Videos to educate and entertain

MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES

http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/pages/media/media.aspx
4 The Purple Book

OSHA adopts a new concept for standardized hazard 

classification and labeling system for chemicals.

6 Missing a Step Puts Marines in Harm’s Way

Something goes wrong when a crew assumes the task 

involving ammunition has been completed.

10 A Slice of Finger

Steel strapping shows no mercy when workers don’t 

wear properly regulated PPE.

12 Who’s Laughing Now?

Make no jokes about weapon handling. A Marine jeopardizes personnel and career.

14 Fleet Safety Program Training:

Shifting the Paradigm

Global online classes pave the way to an effective, flexible and economical learning environment.

22 Moving Forward: Racing Whitney

Georgia Sailor defies odds after being struck by a drunk 

driver now he’s participating in a charity bike race.

26 Falling for Ultralight Backpacking

Get in the autumn groove by making the right fitness 

and gear preparations.

3 Spotlight on Excellence: NAVFAC Safety Star

9 Training: Mishap Investigation Course 

25 Perspectives: On Making the Right Decision

2 Editor’s Note

Readiness means having the right resources and mindset to get a job done — whether at home, work or play.

16 Best Practice by MAG-24

Awareness equates to readiness for this Hawaii-based 

Marine unit and its subordinates.

19 Best Practice by HSL-49

Periodic and random checks remind the Scorpions that 

they are responsible for being safe riders and drivers.

20 Takeaway: Assertiveness

MALS-24 Warriors take a stand against drunk driving 

when a teammate decides to violate the law.

28 Winter Safety: Situational Awareness

While driving during the winter months, get the right 

information and preparation to avoid black ice.

30 ORM Playbook

Be smart about personal firearms handling. Know the 

rules for keeping weapon and ammunition secure.

32 Holiday Season Safety Tips

Enjoy the holidays, celebrate with family and friends, 

enjoy the winter season, but do it with care.

IN THIS ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS FEATURES

CONTENTS I Fall-Winter 2013

Safety Star, p. 3

In Harm’s Way, p.7

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 1
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Are You Ready?

ission readiness — most of us think of 

military events when we hear this phrase. 

We may not always think of our daily tasks 

as “mission.” But every day each one of us prepares for 

something; sometimes we even do it the night before. 

Whether it’s for work or a personal activity, we prepare 

physically and mentally.

While things can change with little or no warning, 

planning ahead and being prepared can alleviate a great 

deal of stress and increase awareness. Resources to help 

improve success in accomplishing a task, or the mission, 

are available in many shapes and form. Following 

policies and procedures ensures we don’t miss a step. 

Writing a list or using a checklist helps us remember. 

Using automated reminders (such as alarm clocks or 

headlights) helps us to be attentive. Shipmates and 

safety briefs give us information. Most of all, knowledge 

and skill allow us to get the right mindset and attitude to 

get the job done.

In this issue, our contributing writers give us a 

selection of articles that address mission readiness. 

You’ll read about the new hazard classification and 

labeling system (“The Purple Book”), an omitted 

process during routine ordnance check (“Missing a 

Step Puts Marines in Harm’s Way”), preparing for a 

physical challenge after a DUI-related crash (“Moving 

Forward: Racing Whitney”), getting the right training 

and education in the classroom or online (“Fleet Safety 

Program Training: Shifting the Paradigm”), and much 

more to help you take away a best practice or strategy.

We hope these articles help you prepare for similar 

tasks or provide insight to future endeavors. Whatever 

you do — at work, home or outdoors — use the right 

resources to get the task (or mission) done without any 

setback. 

As always, we appreciate your submissions and look 

forward to your personal stories and safety articles for 

the next issue (spring/summer 2014). You can visit us 

online (see “On the Web Now,” this page) to download 

individual articles or the PDF version of this issue.

Evelyn Odango

evelyn.odango@navy.mil

Social Media Community

Connect with us on the Web or your mobile device 

through these social networks:

2 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
By Denise Emsley

Steven Christiansen, Naval 

Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii’s 

Environmental Services Branch chief, is the recent 

recipient of the command’s Safety Star award. The 

annual award recognizes an individual who has clearly 

made safety a priority in all they do. 

“Steve demonstrated an exceptional commitment to 

safety in the workplace during 2012 and is recognized 

as a true role model for safety,” said Emric Katada, 

NAVFAC Hawaii safety director. “He manages and 

motivates a great team that performs high-risk work 

every day. Most people don’t even realize this work is 

being done or take it for granted. Despite his heavy 

workload, Steve always supports our safety office, 

command safety initiatives, and our ultimate goal of 

‘Beyond Zero Mishaps’ position.”

Christiansen is responsible for supervising 

and directing more than 80 professional and trade 

personnel, both civilian and enlisted military, within the 

Environmental Services Branch of NAVFAC Hawaii. He 

oversees branch sections including the Navy laboratory; 

hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal; 

asbestos and lead-based paint remediation; and pest 

management. These are industrial operations and the 

daily work in each section has unique inherent safety 

risks. 

All of Christiansen’s employees are aware of his 

constant reminder of “safety first.” He continuously 

sets the example through regularly emphasizing the 

use of the NAVFAC Safety Handbook, providing basic 

and continuing safety training, making frequent jobsite visits and underscoring the use of operational risk 

management (ORM).

“ORM is not just another catchy safety buzz word 

or program,” said Christiansen. “It is a valuable tool that 

should be used in all aspects of our life. If followed, the 

five simple steps will allow us to make the best decisions 

at home and work resulting in a healthier and happier 

life.” 

In addition, the NAVFAC Hawaii safety office 

representative is a fully integrated member of the 

environmental division team. Christiansen’s efforts 

ensure all employees understand that safety is first 

priority. He has provided a model approach to safety 

that has inspired all supervisory members of the 

environmental division and produced an enviable safety 

record for the division.

Ms. Emsley is the public affairs officer at NAVFAC Hawaii.

SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

One Man’s Dedication a True Model for Safety 

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 3
The urple Book

By Cindy Chester

new system, informally referred to as the 

“Purple Book,” will soon provide chemical 

manufacturers, handlers and users a 

standardized way to classify hazards and label 

hazardous materials.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

has introduced the Globally Harmonized System 

(GHS) for Hazard Communication. OSHA has adopted 

this concept for their Hazard Communication Standard 

(1910.1200). The standard has not changed, but the 

hazard classification and labeling of hazardous material 

will be made uniform. Material Safety Data Sheets will 

be replaced with standardized Safety Data Sheets (SDS), 

which will make it easier to locate required information 

about hazardous chemicals.

The Purple Book is the GHS document that 

establishes the agreed-upon hazard classification and 

communication provisions with information on how 

to apply the system. It provides a mechanism to meet 

the basic requirements of any hazard communication 

system. First, to decide if the chemicals that personnel 

work with or produce are hazardous. Second, to prepare 

a label and/or locate a safety data sheet.

WHO’S AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE?

The system is to be used by chemical manufacturing, 

importing and/or distribution companies to classify 

the hazards associated with chemicals in their products. 

Labels will be simplified with specific and standardized 

hazard warnings. The scope of the GHS covers all 

hazardous chemical substances, dilute solutions, and 

mixtures. Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics 

and pesticide residues in food will not be covered at the 

point of consumer/end use, but will be covered where 

workers may be exposed and in transport.

GHS training is required by December 1, 2013, 

because employees and employers will begin to see the 

new labels and SDS sheets on the hazardous chemicals 

in their workplace. It is important that the training 

be conducted so that employers and employees will 

understand the changes and benefits of the new labeling 

and SDS hazard communication format. Employers are 

responsible for making sure employees are trained on 

physical hazards, health hazards, emergency procedures, 

PPE, and the employer’s labeling system. 

STANDARDIZED FORMAT & INFORMATION

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is 

designed to ensure that information about chemical 

hazards and protective measures are disseminated to all 

workers. It defines hazards and provides specific criteria 

for classification of hazards and mixtures to ensure 

manufacturer consistency and make SDS and labels 

more accurate. Standardized format and information 

requirements on SDS will make it easier for the end user 

to identify hazards and necessary precautions.

For labeling purposes, the GHS signal words are 

“Danger” or “Warning” to inform the user of the severity 

of hazard. The use of just two signal words simplifies 

warnings and labels.

Hazard Statements have been standardized and are 

used on labels for products that have more than one 

hazard, to give the chemical user additional information 

about the hazard that is depicted in the pictogram. For 

example, the “Flame” pictogram would be used on a 

label for a flammable liquid. The hazard statement for 

that flammable liquid may be “Keep away from fire, 

sparks, and heated surfaces”.

OSHA’S HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD PUBLICATION GETS A FACE LIFT.

4 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
Pictograms have been standardized to convey 

information about health, physical and environmental 

hazards. OSHA has included nine authorized 

pictograms in the revised Hazard Communication 

Standard.

The Navy and Marine Corps have created some 

train-the-trainer tools on our OSH Web page to assist 

with training. All Navy and Marine Corps organizations 

must conduct awareness training by Dec. 31, 2013. We 

will update our organization’s hazard communication 

programs and training to reflect the Globally 

Harmonized System. Until Dec. 1, 2015, there will be 

a transition period where every chemical we receive 

can have either the current hazardous chemical label 

and MSDS or the new GHS label and SDS. Updates to 

the Navy and Marine Corps Instructions/Orders and 

guidance on alternative workplace labeling to meet GHS 

compliance is underway. By June 2016, all Navy and 

Marine Corps organizations must be in full compliance. 

Visit the GHS Toolbox at http://www.public.navy.

mil/navsafecen/pages/osh/GHS.aspx

Ms. Chester is a safety and occupational health specialist in the 

Shore Safety Programs Directorate, Naval Safety Center.

PHASE-IN PERIOD FOR GHS INTO HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD

Effective Completion Date Requirement(s) Who

Dec. 1, 2013 Train employees on the new label 

elements and SDS format

Employers

June 1, 2015 

Dec. 1, 2015

Comply with all modified provisions 

of this final rule, except:

Distributors may ship products 

labeled by manufacturers under 

the old system until Dec. 1, 2015.

Chemical manufacturers, 

importers, distributors and 

employers

June 1, 2016 Update alternative workplace 

labeling and hazard 

communication program as 

necessary, and provide additional 

employee training for newly 

identified physical or health 

hazards.

Employers

Transition Period

Comply with either 29 CFR 

1910.1200 (this final standard), or 

the current standard, or both.

All chemical manufacturers, 

importers, distributors and 

employers

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 5
By Sgt. Justin F. Kenney and Cpl. Derrick A. Ybarra

As with all military aviation operations, attention to detail and strict adherence to 

procedures is absolutely necessary. This is 

especially true for high-tempo, combat-support operations in austere environments. The following 

events dramatize the importance of following every step 

in publications and checklists. Although the incident 

was serious, it could have been catastrophic if not for a 

multi-layered precautions for ordnance procedures.

On Aug. 6, 2013, aboard Camp Bastion, 

Afghanistan, HMLA-167 had a section of two AH-1W 

Super Cobras scheduled to launch to a nearby Forward 

Operating Base. Both aircraft took off, but one had 

issues with a 20 mm cannon shortly after departure, so it 

returned to base. The pilots landed and ordies de-armed 

the aircraft. The pilots rolled to the back-up aircraft and 

continued their mission.

As the aircraft were returning to base, Maintenance 

Control announced over the radio that one of the AH1Ws in the returning section had a 20 mm cannon that 

would not fire. Anticipating their arrival, the ordnance 

line team assembled and prepared to de-arm both 

aircraft. Knowing that the ordnance maintenance team 

would be working on the gun “No Fire” discrepancy, 

Maintenance Control advised the team to download 

all remaining rounds from the linkless feed and gun 

systems. After both aircraft were de-armed and shut 

down, the team began the download, supervised by the 

quality assurance safety observer (QASO). The QASO 

then visually inspected the gun and feed chute for any 

Photo by GySgt Daniel Devine, USMC

6 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
obvious mechanical issues that might have caused the 

discrepancy.

Finding no obvious problems, the QASO 

determined the system to be mechanically sound. 

The QASO then discussed the discrepancy with the 

ordnance maintenance team’s QASO, seeking potential 

causes. They decided that the discrepancy stemmed 

from something electrical. They agreed that the next 

step should consist of replacing the firing volts cable, 

which splits into two plugs — one plug provides voltage 

to the feeder and the other provides voltage to the gun 

to fire the rounds. 

Before retrieving the replacement cable, both 

QASOs disconnected the linkless feed chute from the 

ammo can end, the booster motor cable and all three 

ends of the firing volts cable. They retrieved the new 

firing volts cable, and the ordnance maintenance team 

headed back out to the aircraft to begin troubleshooting. 

With a different section of aircraft inbound and 

requiring de-arm, the ordnance line team headed to 

the opposite end of the ramp in order to de-arm the 

weapons of the returning section.

While the ordnance line crew was taking care of 

the returning aircraft, the ordnance maintenance team 

proceeded with troubleshooting the gun “No Fire” 

discrepancy. After clearing the area immediately forward 

of the aircraft and incorretly visually inspecting the feedchute, feeder, and gun for any remaining rounds, the 

ordnance maintenance team QASO started to duplicate 

the discrepancy. Thinking that the aircraft had been 

downloaded and that the firing volts cable had been 

disconnected, the QASO began to isolate the electrical 

problem. This process included plugging in the feeder 

to verify whether or not the gun would cycle with both 

burst and sustained trigger pulls. 

Shortly after leaving to de-arm the other section, 

the ordnance line team heard a rapid series of loud 

bangs coming from the direction of the ongoing 

troubleshooting. It was immediately apparent that 

something had gone wrong. The ordnance line team 

finished de-arming a UH-1Y Huey and headed toward 

the ordnance maintenance team. When they arrived, 

they observed nine 20 mm semi-armor piercing high 

explosive incendiary (SAPHEI) cartridge casings lying 

After clearing the area immediately forward of the aircraft and 

incorrectly visually inspecting the feed-chute, feeder, and gun 

for any remaining rounds, the ordnance maintenance team 

QASO started to duplicate the discrepancy. 

Photo Illustration by John W. Williams

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 7
beneath the gun along with a large hole in the HESCO 

barrier positioned approximately 30 feet directly in 

front of the aircraft. Within seconds, Marines swarmed 

to the site, fearing someone had been injured. Because 

required safety backstops were in place, and the area 

forward of the gun was properly cleared, there were no 

injuries caused by this procedural error. 

It turned out that the ordnance line crew had missed 

an important step in the checklist: cycling a dummy 

round through the entire feed chute and gun system. 

It is suspected that the linkless feed system had a gap 

between rounds in the feed chute, possibly created by 

loading rounds too quickly during ammunition storage 

unit loading. Due to the gap, and during the download 

process, the ordnance line crew assumed they had 

reached the last round but in reality had left rounds in 

the feed chute.

Both QASOs missed the rounds during their visual 

inspection because the area above the turret is difficult 

to visually inspect. The checklist specifically directs 

that a dummy round be cycled through the feed chute, 

through the feeder and through the gun, partly because 

of the difficulty of the visual inspection. If this step 

had been followed, the system would have been clear 

of all ammunition. Instead, this step was skipped in its 

entirety.

The ordnance line crew could have avoided the 

incident by following established downloading and 

troubleshooting procedures. However, per NAVAIR 

01-H1AAC-75-17-1( Checklist, AH-1W 20 MM Gun 

Linkless Feed System), the crew did not insert one 

dummy round in the feed chute on the ammunition 

storage end unit, did not connect the feed chute to 

the feeder and did not rotate the barrels until the 

dummy round cleared the system and exited the gun. 

Investigators determined this omission to be the causal 

factor of the incident. The biggest lesson learned from 

this incident is using a checklist minimizes the potential 

for error.

Sgt. Kenney and Cpl. Ybarra are with HMLA-167 Ordnance Line 

Crew.

Editor’s Note: Although this event took place in the 

aviation community, the emphasis on adhering to 

procedures applies to all aspects of DON operations.

New Risk Matrix

This familiar card has 

been around a long time, 

but this new version 

addresses a major change 

to the way we look at risk 

management. It’s the 

MISSION and how severity 

and probability impacts the 

accomplishment of it.

The desired risk management 

behavior is that every member 

of the command, from the most 

junior E-1 to the CO, exercises risk 

management in everything they do 

both on and off duty.

http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/pages/orm/orm.aspx

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8 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 99
 I then followed the blood trail 

back to where she had been 

working with other Marines 

and gave them an earful about 

wearing their PPE.

A Slice 

of 

Finger

By Gunnery Sgt. Amber Allison

I was in Iraq working out of a makeshift shop 

when a Marine walked up, holding one of her hands. 

She calmly waited until I finished speaking to 

another Marine, then uncupped her hands. Blood 

began forming a sizable puddle in the sand. I asked 

her what happened as I poured water on the wound 

to get a better look. That’s when I saw the tendon in 

her finger and heard her say “I was banding.” That 

was enough for me; I put her in the platoon vehicle 

and drove straight to the branch clinic.

I have to give this young Marine credit; she 

stayed calm and somewhat poised. Her composure 

disappeared when medical staffers tried to give her 

a shot to deaden her finger. I had to hold her down. 

She was lucky that she did not sever her tendon and 

needed just six stitches. It could easily have been 

much worse.

I went back to my makeshift shop to investigate 

the source of her injury. I dug into our Quadcon 

(safety gear container) and found all the required 

PPE for this type of preventable injury. I then followed the blood trail back to where she had been 

working with other Marines and gave them an earful 

about wearing their PPE. I don’t think that any of 

them realized that we were actually a micrometer 

Photo Illustration by John W. Williams

10 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
from having to send a Marine home from a deployment when we were already short-staffed. 

They grumbled as they put on the gloves and one 

of them actually turned to me and asked, “Do I have 

to wear this face shield if I’m wearing sunglasses?” 

Crossing my arms angrily, I barked, “Yes!” I watched 

them for a few minutes to ensure they knew how 

serious I was. Just as I was ready to walk away, the 

banding slipped and snapped into that Marine’s face 

shield making him jump back. All I could say as I 

walked away was, “And now you know why!”

When looking for a black-and-white answer 

to what gear to issue during palletizing projects, 

NAVSEA OP 5 is a little vaguer than NAVSEA 

OP 4. NAVSEA OP 5 refers to local SOPs and 

OPNAVINST 5100.23, which states “Employees 

shall wear approved eye and/or eye and face 

protection when there is a reasonable probability that 

wearing such equipment will prevent injury.” 

However, according to NAVSEA OP 4, page 4-4, 

paragraph 4-6.2 “Face shields/eye protection and 

leather palm gloves shall be worn when installing or 

removing steel strapping.”

It is a Navy and Marine Corps requirement to 

provide Sailors, Marines or other employees with 

proper PPE for installing or removing steel strapping. 

Supervisors must enforce the wear of such equipment 

and workers must wear the safety gear from the start 

of the operation to the end. Don’t wait for a mishap 

to happen.

Gunnery Sgt. Allison worked as a weapons analyst in the Shore/

Ground Safety Programs Directorate, Naval Safety Center.

Marine Reservists band ammunition during their two-week annual training at Crane Army Ammunition Activity this summer under 

the watchful eye of Army civilians. The reservists are a part of an ammunition company with the 4th Supply Battalion, 4th Marine 

Logistics Group out of Greenville, S.C. Photo by Thomas Peske

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 11
By Gunnery Sgt. Amber Allison Afew years back I was filling a 

billet as a group ammo chief 

and assigned as the platoon 

sergeant for the shop where I 

worked. I took both jobs very seriously 

and made sure that everything was 

done by the book. I inspected all my ar-

mories to ensure that, aside from secu-

rity, both live and dummy rounds were 

accounted for and stored properly.

I got to know the armorers pretty well. At least I 

thought I could tell which ones were possible trouble.

On a cold morning in February, while half the 

platoon was in the pool house with me for swim 

qualifications, I got an urgent phone call. All I could 

hear was an out-of-breath Marine telling me to come to 

the armory because someone had been shot.

I told him to call 911, then I hung up. Knowing my 

S-4 Chief could get there more quickly, I called him to 

go investigate. A million thoughts ran through my head 

about what could have happened. I needed to move 

quickly. 

Here’s what had happened. An armorer whom I 

believed to be one of my more trustworthy Marines 

had decided to function check his weapon with the 

dummy rounds I had stored in the safe. Instead of using 

12 Fall-Winter 2013 

I DECISIONS
an empty magazine, he thought it would be okay to 

put the dummy rounds on top of the live rounds in a 

magazine he already had out for security purposes. He 

then pointed the weapon at a new Marine in the armory 

and pulled the trigger. He thought it was hilarious to see 

that new Marine jump, scream like a girl and nearly have 

a heart attack. 

After a good laugh he decided to take the dummy 

rounds out and put them away. But instead of releasing 

the magazine and emptying the rounds from the 

magazine, he decided to just rack the weapon back a few 

more times so the rounds would be naturally extracted. 

He lost count of how many dummy rounds he had put 

in the magazine. He racked the weapon one too many 

times and shot himself in the left hand.

To make matters worse the bullet ricocheted off the 

concrete floor and hit a .50 caliber machine gun in the 

side near the charging handle, welding itself to the gun 

and making it inoperable.

I had to write up an expenditure report and file 

charges for destruction of government property, assault, 

and dereliction of duty. Meanwhile, the Marine got four 

stitches to close up the hole in his hand. 

I had mixed feelings at his court martial, thinking of 

all the good he had done for the battalion. But this one 

act of recklessness erased all that. In the end he spent 60 

days in the brig, was busted to private and lost a halfmonth’s pay for two months. I also had to de-certify him 

in the Arms, Ammunitions and Explosives Program; he 

could no longer do his job. When he got out of the brig, 

he had to finish his contract as a clerk answering phones 

in the S-4 shop.

HE THOUGHT IT 

WAS HILARIOUS 

TO SEE THAT NEW 

MARINE JUMP, 

SCREAM LIKE A 

GIRL AND NEARLY 

HAVE A HEART 

ATTACK. 

Photo Illustration by John W. Williams

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 13
Fleet Safety Program Training:

Shifting the Paradigm

Special from the Naval Safety and Environmental Training Center

Recently, NAVSAFENVTRACEN added the 

OPNAV-required Safety Programs Afloat (SPA) and 

Aviation Safety Specialist (AVSS) courses to its Global 

Online course offerings, providing virtual seats for 

thousands of students annually. This directly translates 

to thousands of productivity days returned to the 

Fleet, and well over $1 million annually in travel cost 

avoidance. That buys a lot of fuel, maintenance and 

parts. For the Sailor this means more time in homeport 

with family and friends. 

Live Engagement

Global Online is not the dull page-turner that many 

associate with Navy online training. In contrast, Global 

Online students meet online with the instructor in 

engaging discussion and presentation, reaping the full 

benefit of a live and seasoned instructor with years of 

experience. The asynchronous or individual component 

of the training, offers the student challenging 

assignments that require focused research and problem 

solving, based on real-world context. 

The goal is to add a high level of student-centric 

engagement over and beyond what is available through 

video tele-training or even some resident courses. 

The school has created and employed a checklist of 

engagement criteria that is applied to each Global 

Online course. 

 Sakai and DCO offer tools for the instructor 

to create a virtual canvas of unique navigation, 

assignments and student participation.

— Al Melcher, Learning Standards Officer

he benefits of global 

online training 

when compared to “travel 

to” training are huge, both in 

direct travel cost avoidance 

and in returned productivity 

days. Naval Safety and 

Environmental Training Center 

(NAVSAFENVTRACEN), the 

leader in naval occupational 

health and environmental 

training, has set new Navy benchmarks with its Global 

Online brand of distance learning (DL). Global Online 

includes live instructors (synchronous) and individual 

assignments (asynchronous) to provide a blended 

training approach.

Global Online – Flank Three Ahead

Global Online leverages two cloud-based 

environments: Defense Connect Online (DCO), hosted 

by Defense Information System Services, and Sakai, 

hosted by Naval Postgraduate School. Students across 

the globe now have an opportunity to keep their luggage 

in the closet and enjoy extra time in home port, since 

Global Online training is available from practically 

any computer (home, internet café, office, computer 

resource center).

14 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
Shifting Paradigms

Global Online pushes against old paradigms and 

calls for leadership commitment. We live in the age of 

information exchange where people can conveniently 

access their web browser to acquire information, from 

accessing YouTube to get that quick “how to” for that 

new digital camera, to taking an online course from a 

university in Colorado, while at home in Virginia. These 

use-cases are common activities today. 

However, for the fleet Sailor, taking a Global Online 

course (so they can do their jobs) can be a challenge. 

Ships are difficult places to take training—access to 

ship’s computer equipment is limited, bandwidth can 

be poor and the potential frequent interruptions from 

shipmates can be a pain. Couple this with leadership 

that may look at online training as something done 

on one’s own time, or where one can be supervised or 

observed, and we begin to understand the challenges 

facing the fleet Sailor. 

Global Online courses can be taken from practically 

any computer, including one’s personal home device. 

If that is the best environment for a Sailor to take the 

training, then make it happen, send them home to take 

the course, or to a computer resource center, library or 

even a café. 

We trust our men and women to carry out critical 

operations and maintenance every day that can impact 

our very lives. We should be able to trust them to take 

a course, and let the challenge come from within the 

course content, not the administrative burden of where 

and how to take the course.

For more on Global Online training, and course 

and training information, visit NAVSAFENVTRACEN 

at http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/

navsafenvtracen/pages/default.aspx.

 As our instructors gain 

experience and comfort with 

the different virtual tools and 

uses, we expect the level of 

student engagement

to only increase.

— Cmdr. Greg Cook, 

Commanding Officer, NAVSAFENVTRACEN

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 15
Campaign for Readiness

that this [safety campaign] is serious,” said Miller. “It’s 

also an opportunity for me to create a dialogue with 

them.”

Miller coordinates the DASH program (an 

evolution of the national fee-based Arrive Alive 

program) for MAG-24. This program gives Marines and 

Sailors a cab ride from and to anywhere on the island. 

Promising full anonymity, the program has proven to be 

successful, according to Miller. He is the only one who 

knows the names of members using the service, and he 

coordinates payments for the invoices received from the 

cab company. 

Miller monitors the program’s success by posting 

a usage/participation survey in the Plan of the Week 

(how many people use the DASH Card program and 

the names of the liberty lottery winners). He also 

relies on staff OICs to brief their personnel on what’s 

acceptable and what is not. He emphasizes, though, that 

the program should not be used as the primary means 

of transportation. It should be used only as a safety net. 

MAG-24 personnel can also use the free shuttle service 

provided by the base. 

Designated drivers and a viable back-up plan are 

encouraged for personnel planning on consuming 

alcohol. Those who plan accordingly and are smart 

about their decision-making reap the rewards of the 

ARI/DUI Campaign. 

Incentives are among the most proven motivators 

of all times. MAG-24 leaders know the value of a day off 

for their Marines and Sailors. Liberty days are given to 

deserving commands and individuals (see “Campaign 

Highlights,” on page 18).

In terms of behavior, command expectations are 

high. Every Marine and Sailor must intervene at the first 

sign of reckless behavior. Leaders must set a positive 

example and mentor their personnel. So far, the program 

seems to carry a lot of weight. 

Safety Director Maj. Chad Bignell, who oversees the 

campaign for MAG-24, has seen major improvements in 

the off-duty risk-management culture. 

Group Order promotes awareness for this Hawaii-based 

Marine unit and its subordinates. Everyone is engaged.

By Evelyn Odango

eckless behavior can alter the course 

of any individual’s life. For a Marine 

force that must be able to provide 

combat-ready, expeditionary, aviation 

assets for short-notice, worldwide 

deployment, reckless acts 

degrade the mission.

Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24), one of the 

five subordinate units under 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 

is serious about force preservation. So serious, in fact, 

that Commanding Officer Col. Paul A. Fortunato 

issued Marine Corps Group Order 5101.1 to combat 

alcohol-related incidents. The Order is multi-faceted 

in its approach, blending aspects of several Marine 

Corps programs and MAG-24 unique programs into a 

consolidated campaign. MAG-24 and its subordinate 

commands began implementing the Alcohol-Related 

Incidents and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol 

(ARI/DUI) Prevention campaign in February. 

The campaign addresses the readiness impacts of 

irresponsible drinking, as well as personal troubles 

(financial, domestic violence, sexual assault) fueled by 

reckless alcohol consumption. The programs outlined 

in the campaign serve as a tool kit of best practices for 

liberty planning, safe driving and responsible drinking 

habits. 

The ARI/DUI campaign consists of action items 

or programs akin to a playbook. It prepares leaders and 

service members to ensure that they are ready when 

duty calls. In the heart of its concept is integration. That 

means persistent information is unavoidable (they’re 

everywhere), tools are available, and rewards are given 

to those who are eligible. 

Everyone knows about the campaign—from 

initiatives to incentives. Marines and Sailors checking 

into the command meet Ground Safety Officer Gunnery 

Sgt. Jeremy Miller. He makes sure he gets to do a oneon-one before they meet their PowerPoint quota. 

“I prefer having face-time with each Sailor and 

Marine because I can look them in the eye and tell them 

best practice I OFF-DUTY PLAYBOOK

16 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
DUI-Free Days (as of June 13, 2013)

MAG-24 PSD 263

HMH-463 132

HMLA-367 151

MALS-24 33*

MWSD-24 498

*MALS-24 ended with 414 DUI-free days on May 12. Related 

story on page 20.

MAG-24 Demographics

1,492 Personnel

Female 9%

Male 91%

Under 21 15%

22-35 73%

36-40 7%

Over 50 5%

“Between FY11 and FY13, we are on track to 

decrease DUIs by more than 30 percent,” said Bignell. 

“As it stands now MAG-24 has three of our five units 

with more than 200 DUI free days; one of those units 

has well over 500 DUI free days.” 

Bignell admits there’s work still to be done. Between 

February and June, the command has had one DUI 

incident. 

“We want to instill in every Marine and Sailor 

attached to MAG-24 [and subordinate commands] that 

we are serious about fostering an involved leadership 

climate,” said Bignell. “We look to our mentors—the 

ones I call the ‘grass roots guys’ to keep watch over their 

people. These are the guys that know their personnel 

better than anyone.”

Leveraging the Marine Corps Mentoring Program 

(MCO 1500.58), this person-to-person intrusive 

leadership has engaged the unit’s nearly 1,500 men and 

women. Command leaders and key personnel (safety 

officer, chaplain, OICs and section chiefs) work with the 

Marine Corps Force Preservation Council to identify atrisk personnel. The group looks at stressors—personal, 

professional, medical, financial, legal—that could 

impact their Marines and Sailors.

Maintaining readiness is MAG-24’s top priority. 

Bignell and the Safety Department focus on the 

preservation aspect. “We continually develop, refine, 

and implement programs and initiatives. We examine 

what works and what we need to improve upon,” said 

Bignell, who has seen a more overt involvement from 

leadership and increased participation from Marines 

and Sailors. “By linking everyone to the same cause, 

we foster a safety-conscious command climate. We 

accomplish the mission.”

Editor’s Note: MAG-24 is based at Marine Corps Base 

Hawaii. Its subordinate commands include HMH-463, 

HMLA-367, MALS-24, and MWSD-24.

Information about the campaign and 

the command’s performance is visible 

throughout the MAG community. 

The ground safety information board 

(top) and roadside signs are updated 

monthly. Information boards are located 

throughout both work and living spaces. 

Photo courtesy of MAG-24 Safety Department

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 17
►SKIT

During formation, the ground safety officer pulls 

individuals from formation. This continues until 

there’s a small group of people left. The individuals 

taken out of formation represent those who act 

recklessly. The skit shows how their behavior can 

impact their readiness.

►SIGNS

During the month of April, gravestones were placed 

next to the monthly ARI/DUI awareness sign. 

►PERSONAL STORIES

Personnel who have been involved in or affected 

by alcohol-related incidents or drunk driving share 

their stories and experiences.

►“RUM AND VODKA” SHOW

The base held a two-day safety standdown where 

more than 300 Marines and Sailors watch a oneman monologue that creates awareness of social 

health issues. 

►PRE-LIBERTY AND LIBERTY ACTIONS

In addition to safety briefings before a liberty 

period, every Marine and Sailor is required to carry 

a variety of information cards, contact lists, and 

transportation resources (among these resources is 

the DASH card).

►72- AND 96-HOUR LIBERTY

An individual MAG unit gets 72 hours of liberty for 

72 DUI-free consecutive days. The entire MAG 

gets 96 hours if all units maintain 96 DUI-free 

consecutive days. 

►72-HOUR LIBERTY LOTTERY

Those who have successfully used or acted as 

designated drivers get a chance to win a 72-hour 

liberty lottery. One to three names are drawn each 

month.

►INFORMATION BOARDS

Updated monthly to reflect a “surround sound” 

approach, information boards are in and around 

unit works paces and living spaces. Posted on 

these boards are ground safety resources, uniform 

victim advocate and substance abuse programs, 

and alcohol deglamorization posters from the “That 

Guy” campaign. Roadside prevention awareness 

signs are visible and posted monthly.

ARI/DUI CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS

CMC Safety Division

 http://www.safety.marines.mil/

Semper Ride (Motorcycle Safety) 

 https://www.mccdc.usmc.mil/Motorcyclesafety/

 http://www.facebook.com/SemperRide1

“That Guy” Program (Alcohol Deglamorization)

 http://www.thatguy.com

U.S. Marine Corps Ground Climate Assessment 

Survey System

 https://www.semperfisurveys.org/

ONLINE RESOURCES

18 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
Simple Measures Go a Long Way

Responsible driving 

and motorcycle riding 

begin within the first 

30 seconds from either 

getting in the car or on 

a motorcycle. Ensuring 

a driver and passengers 

have their seat belts 

fastened or a rider has 

completed a periodic 

motorcycle inspection is 

key to saving lives. According to the National 

Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration, seat belts are the 

single most effective traffic safety 

device for preventing death and 

injury. 

This is why the “Scorpions” at 

HSL-49, stationed at Naval Base 

Coronado, Calif., do periodic and 

random seat belt checks to ensure 

squadron Sailors are buckled up. 

During a recent random check, 140 

of the 146 Sailors stopped by the 

safety team were buckled up. That 

means HSL-49 may have saved six 

lives. This simple measure is one 

way HSL-49 promotes off-duty 

safety and keeps Sailors safe in their 

automobiles.

Quarterly motorcycle rides are 

helping to raise safety awareness 

in the command as well. Rides 

begin with a refresher motorcycle 

inspection using the T-CLOCS 

checklist and end with a 30-minute 

motorcycle ride for training, 

experience, and proficiency. 

Motorcycle safety begins with 

periodic and relevant training, as it 

saves lives. 

As an additional measure, 

during a recent HSL-49 “Strategic 

Pause,” the commanding officer 

By Lt. Nathan Ferree, HSL-49

encouraged and emphasized 

off-duty safety by establishing an 

incentive program: Zero off-duty 

injuries for 90 days will earn one 

command day off. 

As most supervisors know, 

one off-duty injury often impacts 

a squadron or department much 

more than one work day. Active 

leadership and engagement with 

Sailors is making responsible 

driving and riding a priority.

Lt. Ferree is HSL-49’s aviation safety officer.

Top photo: TCLOCS checklist being used to ensure motorcycle safety prior to 

an HSL-49 ride. Above: A notional $142 seat-belt ticket being issued to a command Sailor at HSL-49. Photos courtesy of the author

PERIODIC AND RANDOM CHECKS I best practice

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 19
takeaway I ASSERTIVENESS

By Sgt. Ian Insley, MALS-24

For a unit of more than 700 Marines 

and Sailors, reaching over 400 consecutive days without a DUI is not an 

easy feat. The Marines and Sailors of 

Marine Aviation Logistics 24 (MALS-24) Squadron reached this milestone through proper risk 

management, mentorship, and being accountable to each other.

Our commander, Lt. Col. Edwin Rich, has made a 

promise to us, and asked for one in return. “I promise 

not to do anything that embarrasses the Warrior 

Ohana, Marine Corps or Navy. Will you make the 

same promise?” He holds us accountable. When one 

of us breaks it, we apologize to the unit. This promise 

resonates within our unit. Ask members in our unit 

about their reasons not to drink and drive; not breaking 

the promise is one of them.

We reached our 400-plus days of DUI-free streak 

because everyone in the command had an integral 

part in this success. Small-unit leaders reviewed liberty 

plans, assessed risks, and advised Marines and Sailors 

on their decisions. Through the MALS-24 Liberty 

Accident Reduction Program (LARP), Marines and 

Sailors shared their weekend plans with their mentors. 

Together, they assessed the risks and set up measures to 

reduce those risks. 

LARP provides forms that are completed weekly 

for E-5 and below, as well as by all hands prior to long 

weekends or leave periods. Personnel notify their 

20 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS

U.S. Navy Photo
mentors when plans change, allowing a chance for onthe-spot risk management and guidance. The keys to 

this portion of the MALS-24 DUI Prevention Campaign 

are honesty and integrity. Mentors develop strong 

professional relationships with their personnel, ensuring 

the success of these plans. 

Proper planning of off-duty events eliminates a large 

majority of risk of an incident; however, plans could 

break down. There are multiple programs in place at 

MALS-24 to help Marines and Sailors if their plans fail. 

On May 12, MALS-24 Warriors’ DUI-free streak 

ended at 414 days, but in the bigger scheme of things, 

our program isn’t about numbers. We are not too 

concerned with setting records for consecutive DUI-free 

days; we want to ensure that everyone makes it home. 

While at a going-away party for another Warrior 

early in May, a second class petty officer tried to drive 

home after drinking. Several Warriors stepped in to 

prevent him from driving. They talked to him, even 

yelled at times. They eventually convinced him that he 

needed to sleep it off at a friend’s house. 

One of our sergeants took the petty officer to his 

house, two miles from the party. The sergeant went to 

bed after he thought the petty officer had settled in. 

However, once the sergeant had fallen asleep, the petty 

officer left the house and walked back to the house 

where the party had been and where his vehicle was 

parked. Other members of the unit, who were also at the 

party, spotted the Sailor leaving in his vehicle. 

Left with no other options to prevent an incident, 

MALS-24 personnel reported the Sailor to the Marine 

Corps Base Hawaii Provost Marshall’s Office. The Sailor 

had driven 1.5 miles before base security stopped him 

at the front gate, administered field sobriety tests, and 

subsequently arrested him for operating a vehicle under 

the influence. 

Following this incident the commanding officer 

held a squadron formation, where the Sailor addressed 

the entire unit. He apologized for his actions and for 

breaking his promise to us. A DUI Taskforce met to 

hotwash the incident. 

As a result, new programs and policies are being 

developed to ensure that our Marines and Sailors 

are provided solid alternatives to drinking and 

driving through proper planning, assessment, and 

contingencies. 

“The measure of a unit comes from whether 

they spiral out of control [after an incident] or pick 

themselves up and keep marching,” said Sgt. Maj. 

Vincent Santiago, the MALS-24 Sergeant Major. 

“MALS-24 has, and will continue, to keep marching. We 

are a proud unit that looks forward to another 400-plus 

consecutive days DUI-free streak.”

Sgt. Insley is the MALS-24 ground safety officer.

MALS-24 Programs and Incentives

DASH: Cooperation with a local cab company where a 

Marine or Sailor can get a safe ride from one location to 

another with a deferred payment. Personnel can get out of 

a risky situation and to a safe location of their choosing. 

This program is managed by the Ground Safety Office, 

ensuring anonymity of personnel to prevent any negative 

stigma of repercussions for usage. Marines and Sailors are 

taken directly to their house, barracks or hotel as opposed 

to the squadron duty office.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s Liberty Shuttle: The free 

service takes Marines and Sailors to and from Waikiki. The 

shuttle is highly recommended as an option for their preliberty planning as well as in the event their plans fail.

Arrive Alive Fund: Marines and Sailors may have any cab 

take them directly to the squadron duty office where the 

duty officer pays the fare using the funds maintained there. 

Arrangements will then be made to ensure safe transportation of the individual to their home or barracks. Command 

policy is that this is not a punitive program. Personnel 

aren’t punished for using this program yet this program 

continues to see less usage than the DASH program due to 

a negative stigma associated with it. 

DASH Drawing: Each month the Safety Office creates 

serialized slips for each Warrior who has used the program 

since the last drawing. The CO draws one of these slips 

out of a hat, and the member is reimbursed for their cab 

fare. In order to maintain anonymity only the individual who 

wins, the Safety Office, and the Family Readiness officer 

know the name of the winner. Winners are encouraged to 

identify themselves in order to positively promote the program and solidify the policy that no negative repercussions 

will come from its proper usage.

DD Lottery: Marines and Sailors who use or serve as a 

designated driver may be entered into the monthly drawing. This program is an honor-system based drawing. 

Marines and Sailors come to the Safety Office following 

their use or service and submit their own names, or their 

leadership submits them. The names are then placed in a 

hat. Once a month the commander draws at a minimum 

one name from the hat, however he has typically chosen 

multiple at each drawing. The winner(s) receive a meritorious day off in honor of their sound decision-making and 

responsibility. Since this lottery’s inception, the number of 

submissions has greatly increased, with many members 

entering multiple times each month.

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 21
In May, Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st 

Class Whitney Bellow participated in Tour LaFitte, a 

10-mile bike ride in Louisiana. The Sailor from Navy 

Information Operations Command (NIOC) Georgia 

accomplished a feat that doctors told him would be 

nearly impossible after he was injured by a drunk driver.

For the past four years, Bellow has been 

participating in the bike race to raise money for the 

Special Olympics. This year Bellow raced on a handMoving Forward:

By CTTSN Robert A. Hartland

Photo courtesy of News Channel 6 WBJF, Augusta, Ga.

cranked trike lent to him by the Charlie Norwood 

Veterans Affairs Medical Center as part of his personal 

road to recovery. 

“In doing this, I think we’re going to show that no 

matter what obstacle you may encounter, no matter 

what happens in your life, you fight, you push forward, 

you overcome those things,” said Bellow. 

In December 2012, he had been a designated driver 

for some friends. After dropping them off, he had 

One year ago, a Georgia Sailor suffered major injuries after his car 

was struck by a drunk driver. Despite the likelihood that he would 

not be active again, he defied odds and trained for a 

charity bike race. 

Racing Whitney

22 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
stopped at a gas station to get a soda. As he was leaving 

the gas station, Bellow’s car was struck on the driver’s 

side by another car. That driver was drunk. 

“You can’t control life, you can’t control what 

happens to you, but you can control how you face it,” 

Bellow said. “Sometimes things are just going to happen 

regardless of all the planning and doing the right things.”

Waking up after the accident, Bellow recalled, “they 

[EMTs] had to peel the car away from my body, it was so 

mangled.” 

His seat was knocked off the car’s frame, the steering 

wheel was bent and Bellow was hit so hard his shoe 

came off from the impact.

Bellow sustained a concussion, a punctured lung 

and spleen, four broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, and 

a dislocated left leg. He had to go through multiple 

procedures in the hospital. The doctors told Bellow the 

outlook for being active again was not positive. 

Through the support of family and friends, Bellow 

has progressed from using a wheelchair to walking 

with a cane. Oftentimes—through the help of physical 

therapy—he walks without any assistance at all. 

“I had to work towards making progress, moving 

forward,” he said. 

With this positive attitude Bellow has excelled 

in his recovery faster than expected. “Having a sober 

acceptance of life doesn’t mean that you can’t hope and 

strive for better,” he said.

In addition to his participation in Tour Lafitte, 

he has used his experience to educate Sailors on 

the dangers of drunk driving by speaking to groups 

stationed at Fort Gordon, Ga. 

Unsafe actions have consequences, he says, “and you 

can’t ever undo anything you’ve done. I can’t say that 

you shouldn’t drink but you need to be safe about it, 

plan ahead. I’d rather pay a $20 cab ride than hear about 

a fatality.” 

While a civilian caused the accident that involved 

Bellow, his message is universal.

“I’m still trying to understand this new perspective; 

this has changed me irrevocably. I have to figure out how 

to do things,” said Bellow. “This is an experience I have 

had to go through, that didn’t have to be this way. I am 

in this position because of a choice someone else made, 

and I’m paying the consequence. Take an extra second 

to make a plan and reach out to your leadership.” 

 THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD TO GO 

THROUGH, THAT DIDN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. I AM IN 

THIS POSITION BECAUSE OF A CHOICE SOMEONE ELSE 

MADE, AND I’M PAYING THE CONSEQUENCE.

Bellow was days away from leaving for a deployment 

and had plans to take part in an officer ascension 

program. 

“Beyond my life, my world, those I am close to, there 

are higher implications,” he said. “My career was put on 

hold. The person I was [due] to relieve and the Navy’s 

mission were affected.”

NIOC Georgia has begun implementing a handheld alcohol detection device (ADD) in accordance 

with OPNAVINST 5350.8 as a deterrent to alcohol 

abuse. The ADD is already being implemented at many 

Navy commands and will be used to reinforce the Navy’s 

Right Spirit Campaign and other alcohol-awareness 

campaigns by helping to reduce the irresponsible use of 

alcohol.

The ADD is a supporting tool in the campaign 

that can help promote safety, enhance education and 

awareness, and assist with identifying those who may 

put the member or unit at risk. 

“[This] will reinforce supporting actions and help 

commands detect and deter alcohol or substance abuse,” 

said Vince Krajcir, a NIOC Georgia Drug and Alcohol 

Prevention Advocate.

The consequences for driving under the influence 

are severe and have long-term effects that could follow 

an offender to the end of his or her career. NIOC 

Georgia advocates taking preventive measures to travel 

safely by using a designated driver, SafeRide (a fee-based 

driver-for-hire service), a taxi, or calling the chain of 

command as a last resort.

CTTSN Hartland is with the NIOC Georgia Public Affairs. Photo courtesy of News Channel 6 WBJF, Augusta, Ga.

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 23
By Lisa Johnson

On March 5, 2012, Secretary of the Navy Ray 

Mabus announced the 21st Century Sailor and Marine 

initiative. This initiative was comprised of five major 

tenets that define and focus the future direction 

of the Navy and Marine Corps efforts for personal 

development. The five tenets are Readiness, Safety, 

Physical Fitness, Inclusion and Continuum of Service. 

Safety is an extremely high priority because it 

directly impacts the other four tenets and can result 

in the loss of our most precious asset—our Sailors 

and Marines. Within the safety tenet, personal motor 

vehicles fatalities continue to be the area responsible for 

the greatest human loss the Navy encounters, and nearly 

half of those fatalities involve motorcycles. 

Both riders and leadership must review the lessons 

learned from FY12, in order to further reduce our 

losses that result from motorcycle mishaps. The most 

critical and easily corrected lesson learned is that the 

training mandated in OPNAVINST 5100.12J and MCO 

5100.19E is effective in giving our riders the skills and 

knowledge they need to be successful

Unfortunately in FY12, nearly half (48 percent) of 

DON motorcycle fatalities were not fully trained. All 

should be aware that riding a motorcycle continues to be 

one of the most dangerous activities our personnel do. 

Even the smallest of errors made by a rider can have a 

significant negative outcome. Motorcyclists are 37 times 

more likely to become a fatality if involved in a crash, 

than an automobile occupant. Riders can reduce these 

risks by obeying speed limits, not exceeding their skill 

level, and maintaining heightened situational awareness 

in an ever-changing traffic environment.

Lastly, speed and loss of control continue to 

dominate causal factor trends of our mishaps and these 

errors are judgment errors that can be reduced through 

training. We have training that is available but only 

effective if completed. Let’s embrace the Secretary’s 21st 

Century Sailor and Marine initiative and get our people 

trained.

Ms. Johnson worked as a traffic safety specialist in the Shore/Ground 

Safety Programs Directorate, Naval Safety Center.

24 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
Choosing to Be Safe

By Rob Pry

perspectives I ON MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION

The military has multiple programs to keep us safe. 

They build on the lessons we learned as children—when 

something happens, we act to prevent it from happening 

again. Even though each of us has an idea of what safety 

is and a choice to be safe, the commanders and their 

immediate staffs are responsible for these programs. 

They must carefully track and respond to each new 

safety violation.

Oh yes, I said it: violation.

You can call it an “accident” or a “mishap.” But if 

you aren’t following the procedures and haven’t donned 

the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and 

aren’t following the rules, you have in fact committed a 

violation. 

Let’s say I’m on a motorcycle wearing some of my 

PPE and zipping down the roadway at double the speed 

limit. I haven’t checked tire pressure nor performed any 

other preventive maintenance procedures suggested by 

the manufacturer. I bob when I should have weaved and 

smack directly into another vehicle. Or better yet, I miss 

the apex in a curve and launch right off the roadway into 

a fixed solid object. Is this a mishap or a violation? 

The military spends millions of dollars providing 

training for our riding population on safe, closedcircuit courses. Many of the riders “get it” and make the 

choice not to push their skill level on the open roadway. 

Unfortunately, many take their new found (and very 

limited) skills and need-for-speed to the road. The ratio 

of motorcycle “mishaps” to the known riding population 

painfully illustrates the result of poor choices. 

Some have declared that we, the military, should 

ban motorcycle ownership and riding. Besides being 

illegal, this would be nearly impossible to enforce. 

Instead, what if we were truly honest? Could you name 

a person who hasn’t had the prerequisite training, hasn’t 

registered their bike on the installation, or only wears 

PPE and follows traffic rules when they think someone 

is watching? 

If you intervened as a friend or concerned colleague, 

could you change the reckless rider’s behavior? Maybe, 

but I doubt it; riders who make these choices have many 

ways to rationalize their decisions. Unfortunately it is 

the family members who are left with the consequences: 

loss of a loved one, abandonment, monetary instability, 

and overwhelming uncertainty. Commanders and their 

staff are affected by the loss of a trained and reliable 

team member. The riding community suffers to endure 

another safety stand-down and additional scrutiny.

If you are a military rider you know what safety is; 

do your part, make the right choices.

Mr. Pry, a U.S. Army retiree, is an occupational safety and health specialist at Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii.

Editor’s Note: Send your viewpoint article or 

commentary to safe-decisions@navy.mil.

Everyone has heard someone refer to safety. It may have been when you were a 

child and were told to be careful crossing the street. After a period of time and casual 

instruction, you learned that “being careful” meant to look both ways before crossing the 

street. Being careful equates to being safe and it is your choice to be safe ... or not.

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 25
Falling for Ultralight Backpacking

Story and photo by Evelyn Odango

Acooling trend is sweeping 

across the country. Folks who 

love the outdoors are breaking out their backpacks, hiking 

shoes, tents and sleeping bags. It’s time 

to enjoy the autumn foliage. 

Fall is also the perfect time of year for backpacking. 

I became interested in ultralight* backpacking in my 

early twenties. Just before college graduation I took a 

backpacking elective class. The instructor organized a 

trip to the Appalachian Trail on the Virginia side of the 

Blue Ridge Mountains. Twenty students signed up; we 

were excited to try this new adventure. 

I had no experience in backpacking or carrying a 

pack that would provide me shelter, food and clothing 

for three days. I’d hiked at Virginia Beach’s First Landing 

State Park and the Belle Isle Park along James River, but 

nothing as strenuous as carrying a full pack uphill.

The experience was an eye-opener. Weighing about 

90 pounds and standing 5 feet tall, I overestimated my 

ability to carry the heavy pack (the base pack weight** 

should be between 20-30 percent of your body weight). 

The first part of the hike was uphill, about two miles 

from Maupin Field Shelter, where we were to set up 

camp. Within a few hundred yards into the hike, my 

calves started to burn. By the time we were halfway up, 

my legs, back and shoulders cramped; I couldn’t go any 

further. Not wanting to go back and spoil it for the rest 

of the group, I asked the lead for help. He had a couple 

of students redistribute my load on theirs. 

I was embarrassed that I wasn’t prepared to carry my 

own pack, but I was glad I spoke up. Had I hurt myself, 

the trip would have been cancelled, the lead instructor 

would have had to write an injury report to the school 

administration, and I probably would have missed 

graduation. We all made it to base camp, and the rest of 

the three-day camp-out was uneventful.

By fall of that year, I went backpacking again (a 

challenge to myself), but this time I was better prepared. 

I took the time to select an external-frame back pack 

suitable for my height and weight. My dome tent came 

with ultralight carbon-fiber tent poles. A lightweight 

sleeping bag and better-quality hiking shoes also made a 

big difference. My food pouches consisted of trail snacks 

and freeze-dried meals. I’d also learned how to choose 

and pack my outdoor gear better. 

Since that time, I’ve enjoyed many trips to George 

Washington and Jefferson National Forests. I’ve hiked 

sections of the Appalachian Trail (reaching the summit 

of The Priest) and the Massanutten Ridge Trail. I’ve 

gone on horse trail rides in northwestern Virginia, hiked 

Crabtree Falls and Wildflower Trail, and camped in the 

mountains and at state parks. 

A quick stop at Reeds Gap along 

the Blue Ridge Parkway.

26 Fall-Winter 2013 Fall-Winter 2013 II DECISIONS DECISIONS
*Ultralight backpacks have base pack weights below 20 pounds 

and 10 pounds. Traditional backpackers often carry base pack 

weights between 30 pounds and 60 pounds.

**Base pack is the weight of the pack plus the gear inside, 

excluding consumable items (food, drinks, fuel).

Courtesy of BackpackingFanatic.com

How to Prepare for Backpacking

If you are a novice backpacker and inclined to head for 

the mountain trails, here are some tips for a safe and fun 

adventure.

•	Stay hydrated; carry plenty of water and drink frequently. Leave the alcohol at home.

•	Use sunscreen and wear a hat. Wear sunglasses 

(constant exposure to bright sun may result in macular degeneration).

•	Make sure your shoes or boots fit and that they’re 

broken in. Wear synthetic/wool socks, not cotton.

•	Carry protective clothing consistent with the season 

and environment.

•	Figure you’ll need a lot more calories than you do just 

going to the office. For strenuous backpacking, such 

as hiking up a mountain, plan on upwards of 3,500 

calories per day.

•	Carry a basic first aid kit and emergency protection, 

such as a space blanket.

•	Carry a compass, knife, and dry matches (even if you 

have a lighter).

•	Try an overnight somewhere close to your car to test 

your preparations.

•	Look for groups of like-minded people; try a Web site 

such as MeetUp.com. Find free classes (e.g., REI).

•	Hike with a buddy. Let someone know where you’ve 

gone. At state and national areas, always sign in at 

the trail head.

•	Know how to protect and respect the wildlife. Store 

food properly near your campsite and know what to 

do if you encounter potentially dangerous wildlife 

(bears, mountain lions, moose, elk, badgers).

•	Check local restrictions before going out (e.g., fire 

bans/trail closures).

I was able to enjoy all these outdoor activities 

because I’d learned to refine my abilities and respect my 

limitations. 

Before you head for the trails, know the “Big 3” in 

ultralight backpacking gear: the backpack, tent, and 

sleeping bag.

First, take care of yourself. Focus on staying 

physically fit and well. Warm up with short day hikes at 

your local parks. Practice carrying a pack and monitor 

how far you can go. Adjust weight and distance.

Shop around for the right backpack, tent, trekking 

poles, rain gear, sleeping bag, clothing, and cooking gear 

you’re going to carry with your on the trail. Remember 

that, other than personal preferences, price is a 

determining factor in choosing the right gear. 

Backpack: Decide whether to get an external frame 

or internal frame backpack. The ultralight backpack 

holds all of your gear, so it should be adaptable to 

everything your cram inside and comfortable for longdistance, long-term wear. 

Tent: Narrow your choices based on personal 

preferences, conditions of environment, weight, and 

price. 

Sleeping Bag: As with the tent, your choice of 

sleeping gear may depend on conditions you are most 

likely to encounter and cost. When choosing a sleeping 

gear—whether you get a down fill or synthetic sleeping 

bag—remember that in worst-case scenarios, your 

sleeping bag (and tent) can save your life.

To do more research on necessary gear, check 

online bloggers (backpackingfanatic.com is one of my 

favorites) about the topic. Your local sporting goods 

associates can also help.

DECISIONS DECISIONS II Fall-Winter 2013 Fall-Winter 2013 27
winter safety I SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

One early, cold and dark 

February morning in 2009, I 

was driving into work when I 

came across a patch of black 

ice. Suddenly, I felt my tires 

lose traction and I started 

fishtailing. I panicked and 

slammed on my brakes and 

lost complete control of my 

car—a very bad thing to do!

My car ended up flipping upside down on the side 

of road. According to eyewitnesses, they saw my car roll 

three times before landing on the embankment. I had 

been the third person that came on the scene as there 

were two other individuals who lost control of their 

vehicles due to black ice. They were on the side of the 

road waiting for emergency response to arrive.

I unlocked my seat belt, dropped out of the driver’s 

seat and crawled out of the passenger side window 

without injury, other than the fact that I lost my shoe 

in the process of crawling out. There were no other 

persons, vehicles or objects involved. My car ended up 

By Marilyn Richards

getting totaled but I ended up coming out alive and I’m 

thankful for that.

The sad truth is that not many people can say 

that they’ve made it out of an accident injury-free or 

worse. Winter might bring snow and ice conditions and 

sometimes we may not be able to avoid Mother Nature’s 

fearsome grip. Proper information and information can 

help us maintain control in winter driving situations.

Ms. Richards works at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Photo courtesy of the author

28 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet, 

and ice that can lead to slower traffic, 

hazardous road conditions, hot tempers 

and unforseen dangers. To help you 

make it safely through winter, here are 

some suggestions from the National 

Safety Council to make sure that you and 

your vehicle are prepared.

Weather Your Car Essential Supplies If You Become Stranded

Necessary Equipment

At any temperature – 20 

degrees Fahrenheit below 

zero or 90 degrees Fahrenheit above – weather affects 

road and driving conditions 

and can pose serious problems. It is important to listen 

to forecasts on radio, TV, 

cable weather channel, or 

forecasts in the daily papers.

An emergency situation on 

the road can arise at any 

time and you must be prepared. Depending on where 

you live, weather and road 

conditions can change drastically. Aside from a full tank 

of gas and fresh anti-freeze, 

you should always keep:

• A properly inflated spare 

tire, wheel wrench and 

tripod-type jack 

• A shovel 

• Jumper cables 

• Tow and tire chains 

• A bag of salt or cat litter 

• Tool kit 

Prepare your car for winter. 

Start with a checkup:

• Check the ignition, brakes, 

wiring, hoses and fan 

belts. 

• Change and adjust the 

spark plugs. 

• Check the air, fuel and 

emission filters, and the 

PCV valve. 

• Inspect the distributor. 

• Check the battery. 

• Check the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth. 

• Check antifreeze level and 

the freeze line. 

• Your car should have 

a tune-up (check the 

owner’s manual for the 

recommended interval) to 

ensure better gas mileage, 

quicker starts and faster 

response on pick-up and 

passing power.

Keep a survival kit in the car 

and replenish after use. Essential supplies include:

• Working flashlight and 

extra batteries 

• Reflective triangles and 

brightly-colored cloth 

• Compass 

• First-aid kit 

• Exterior windshield cleaner 

• Ice scraper and snow 

brush

• Wooden stick matches in a 

waterproof container 

• Scissors and string/cord 

• Non-perishable, highenergy foods like unsalted 

canned nuts, dried fruits, 

and hard candy 

• If you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, 

and icy conditions, you 

should also carry supplies 

to keep you warm, such 

as heavy woolen mittens, 

socks, a cap, and blankets. 

• Do not leave your car 

unless you know exactly 

where you are, how far it 

is to possible help, and are 

certain you will improve 

your situation. 

• To attract attention, light 

two flares and place one 

at each end of the car a 

safe distance away. Hang 

a brightly colored cloth 

from your antenna. 

• If you are sure the car’s 

exhaust pipe is not 

blocked, run the engine 

and heater for about 10 

minutes every hour or 

so depending upon the 

amount of gas in the tank. 

• To protect yourself from 

frostbite and hypothermia 

use the woolen items and 

blankets to keep warm. 

• Keep at least one window 

open slightly. Heavy snow 

and ice can seal a car 

shut. 

• Eat a hard candy to keep 

your mouth moist.

For more winter-driving safety tips, go online at http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/pages/media/safetips.aspx#w

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 29
By Gunnery Sgt. Amber Allison

I

t’s your toddler’s nap time, and he doesn’t 

want to lie down. You take him to your 

bedroom. You lie there a while with him 

until you think he is just about asleep. 

Finally, you sneak out of the room to go 

about your afternoon chores. 

Some time passes and suddenly, you hear a loud 

bang. You rush to your bedroom to find your 2-year old 

lying in a pool of blood and a pistol in his hand. A pistol 

that you thought was hidden. You left it loaded and 

cocked in case of a home invasion.

The hard decision has yet to come. The doctors tell 

you he has no brain activity, do you pull the plug on 

your child’s life support? 

Here’s another scenario...

You put your pistol-cleaning on a table. You take 

your pistol and remove the magazine, then start to wipe 

it down. As you do so, you inadvertently pull the trigger 

A.

B.

30 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
and discharge a round — because you forgot to clear 

the chamber. When you get up to look where the bullet 

landed, you find your dead 10-month-old child. 

Here’s another scenario...

Your teenager is having problems at school and 

decides to take matters into his own hands. He sneaks 

into what you think is your secret hiding place. You 

get a call from the school. Your son has shot someone 

and then attempted to kill himself. He is in a hospital 

hanging on by a thread while in surgery. 

The sad truth is these types of mishaps happen. We, 

as parents, are not securing our personal firearms. In 

a health and wellness survey, the Navy has found that 

at least 30 percent of Navy personnel own personal 

firearms. Of that gun-owning population, only 65 

percent of them report that they are familiar with the 

basic safety rules. Somehow, 80 percent claim they are 

very familiar with the safety features of their gun. 

It doesn’t take a genius to comprehend that those 

figures misrepresent what is actually known by military 

gun owners. Adding insult to injury, only 60 percent of 

the same gun population store their firearms separate 

from the ammunition and locked in separate places. 

This in turn leaves 40 percent of that population with an 

increased chance of a mishap in their home.

As a firearm owner and mother of three, I would 

love to think that my children know not to touch the 

places where we store our firearms. However, several 

studies that surveyed children and firearms suggest that 

even kids who are taught not to touch guns can’t resist. 

This means that most parents, like me, have unrealistic 

expectations about their children’s behavior around 

guns.

That is why Naval Safety Center and other safety 

experts encourage parents to keep guns unloaded and 

locked separately from ammunition. It is also wise to 

ask other parents about guns at the houses where their 

children play.

The National Safety Council reports that in the 

United States, an average of 3,400 children ages 0-19 

will be killed as a result of an unsecured personal firearm 

in the home. About 500 of those deaths are children 

ages 0-14; the others are ages 15-19. We, as gun-owning 

parents and responsible military members, can avert a 

lifetime of heartache if we take extra time to store our 

firearms safely and properly.

There are several different types of firearm safety locks shown here: 

A. The trigger lock, which encloses a firearms trigger makes it impossible to pull the trigger once the lock is engaged. 

B. The cable lock — shown applied to both hand guns — once applied, makes it impossible to close, load or fire the weapon. 

C. Gun lockers, such as the stand-up for rifles (far left) and the combination safe for hand guns, provide secure storage. The National 

Safety Council recommends locking and storing ammunition in a 

separate place from where you lock and store your firearm. 

B.

C.

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 31
Holiday Season Safety Tips

CHRISTMAS TREES, 

LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS

FOOD PREPARATION AND 

HOLIDAY PARTIES 

HOLIDAY TRAVEL AND

WINTER DRIVING

Christmas tree fires are not common, 

but when they occur, they are likely 

to be serious. Between 2006-2010, 

U.S. fire departments responded to an 

average of 230 home fires that started 

with Christmas trees per year. These 

fires caused an average of 4 deaths, 

21 injuries, and $17.3 million in direct 

property damage annually.

Holidays are times we share the 

kitchen with family and friends. Make 

it a goal this year to also share good 

food safety practices. Each year, 1 in 6 

Americans get sick from and 3,000 die 

of foodborne diseases. 

When the hustle and bustle of 

holiday travel starts, people become 

more distressed with long waits and 

unexpected challenges. If you travel by 

air or car during the cold season, you 

can count on more delays than you’d 

experience in the summer.

Do’s and Don’ts

Select a fresh tree by looking for one 

that is green; and trunk sticky with sap. 

Needles should bend and not break, 

plus be hard to remove from branches.

Cut off two inches of the trunk and put 

the tree in a water holding stand. Ensure 

tree doesn’t dry out.

Stand tree away from fireplaces, 

radiators and other heat sources. 

Ensure tree doesn’t block foot traffic and 

doorways.

If using an artificial tree, choose one 

that is tested and labeled fire resistant. 

Artificial trees with built-in electrical 

systems should have the Underwriters 

Laboratory (U/L) label.

Only use indoor lights indoors (and 

outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for 

the UL label. Check lights for broken or 

cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, 

or loose connections. Replace or repair 

any damaged light sets.

Use no more than three light sets on 

any one extension cord. Extension cords 

should be placed against the wall to 

avoid tripping hazards, but do not run 

cords under rugs.

Turn off all lights on trees and 

decorations when you go to bed or leave 

the house.

Source: National Fire Protection 

Association

Food and Cooking

Wash hands, utensils, sink, and 

anything else that has come in contact 

with raw poultry. 

Keep in mind that a stuffed bird 

takes longer to cook. For questions 

concerning holiday turkey preparation 

and cooking call the USDA Meat and 

Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. 

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in covered 

shallow containers (less than two inches 

deep) within two hours after cooking. 

Date the leftovers for future use. 

Alcohol, Parties, and Driving

Ensure that at least one person in each 

group is prepared to be the non-drinking 

designated driver. 

Provide plenty of food to keep your 

guests from drinking on an empty 

stomach. Avoid salty snacks, which tend 

to make people thirsty and drink more. 

Offer non-alcoholic beverages or 

mocktails for non-drinking designated 

drivers and others who prefer not to 

drink alcohol. 

If preparing an alcoholic punch, use a 

non-carbonated base, like fruit juice. 

Alcohol is absorbed into the blood 

stream faster with a carbonated base. 

Have the number of a taxi service on 

hand for those who need a ride. Offer 

your sofa or a guest room to those who 

need to sleep it off. 

Sources: Centers for Diseases Control 

and Prevention, Mothers Against Drunk 

Driving 

Airline Travel

Plan ahead and leave at least an extra 

hour earlier to anticipate delays. Bring 

something to read. In cities with snow 

or ice, delays can exceed two to three 

hours and de-icing procedures can take 

an hour before takeoff. 

Before you leave, get the flu shot or 

nasal spray flu vaccine. Wash your 

hands or use a hand sanitizer constantly.

Stretch your legs often. Walk around and 

stretch your arms and legs once every 

hour.

Winter Driving

Have your car examined before you 

leave. Make sure your tires are winter 

ready and properly inflated.

Familiarize yourself with your route and 

be prepared for road changes. Keep the 

directions as well as appropriate state 

map(s) handy, in case you need to 

reroute your trip.

Stay hydrated – fluids can help you stay 

alert. Pack high-energy food including 

sandwiches, fruit and a thermos filled 

with soup.

Pack a winter safety kit for the car. Your 

kit should consist of a first-aid kit and 

basic car maintenance tools.

Make frequent rest stops. Winter driving 

is much more tiring than in the summer, 

so stop frequently and stretch your legs. 

Source: American Society of Travel 

Agents (ASTA Travelsense)

32 Fall-Winter 2013 I DECISIONS
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Julie Matyascik

DECISIONS I Fall-Winter 2013 33