Admiral’s Corner

Admiral’s Corner From RADM Arthur Johnson Commander, Naval Safety Center

Focus on Command Excellence

As soon as the wheels lifted from the runway, the young student naval aviator and the instructor heard and felt a “thud.” They quickly assessed the situation, completed the checklist steps, and landed—a scenario custom-made for Approach. The classic “there I was” story about a harrowing in-flight event is the cornerstone of Approach articles and a great teaching tool that adds to every aviator’s bags of experience and knowledge. While something went wrong to prompt the story (a bird strike in the case above), something also went right (the crew’s actions). They returned to debrief and tell their tale. The crew’s actions are representative of aviators and commands who train and fly at a high level. This issue contains several features about programs that can contribute to this high-level performance. We start by recognizing commands that have shown a high level of excellence, a result of doing it right. Our 2007 award winners are listed on the “Initial Approach Fix” page. The awardees have earned and deserve this recognition. Ensuing articles discuss several of our programs to help commands achieve excellence: safety surveys, culture workshops, and safety-climate-assessment surveys. An article on each program provides information and contact data. While we devote much time to discussing and analyzing what went wrong, we also should emphasize the positive steps and actions of our aircrew and maintainers. It’s not so much a “there I was” concept but a “here’s what we did right” concept. Our Bravo Zulu features are good examples. Successful commands are distinguished by their combat readiness, mission accomplishments, inspection results, retention, and safety. From the most junior Sailor or Marine to the commanding officer, when everyone is focused on common goals, command excellence will follow.

I want to conclude with a topic that concerns all of us. When we lose young Sailors or Marines in motor-vehicle accidents, we lose people’s sons, or daughters, spouses, moms, dads, and friends. We’re in the middle of the summer season, so take proactive steps to promote and enforce safe driving. The Naval Safety Center wants your command to be successful, and that means no one loses their life because of an accident. Our website has tools and resources to help you make that happen. Go to: http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/ seasonal/criticaldays/default.htm Take the steps to do it right—focus on excellence.