BRAVO ZULU

SAILORS AND MARINES PREVENTING MISHAPS

BRAVO ZULU

Bravo Zulu is a naval signal originally sent by semaphore flags and in English, simply means “Well done.” You too can be featured here!

AE2 Kevin J. Hall

On 28 August 2020, while executing morning foreign objects and debris (FOD) walk down, AE2 Hall noticed an object protruding from the auxiliary power unit inlet on Aircraft 168436. He immediately notified quality assurance and maintenance control. Upon further inspection, a bird was found inside of the plenum duct. His steadfast awareness and overall motivation prevented a potential mishap. His outstanding performance has justly won his shipmates’ admiration and respect and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

30 MECH

Petty Officer Jamie Marie Lynch

On 17 Jul 2020, Petty Officer Lynch ensured flight deck personnel’s safety on board the USS NIMITZ by stopping a miscommunication from putting Sailors in danger. While recovering aircraft 615, the Landing Signalman Enlisted(LSE) directed trainees into the rotor arc, unaware the AN/ALE39/47 Counter Measure Dispenser (chaff) needed to be de-armed. Petty Officer Lynch immediately directed the trainees to hold and indicated to the LSE that the chaff was armed. The countermeasures were de-armed and the trainees then moved in to complete the chock and chain evolution.

Petty Officer Lynch’s situational awareness, initiative, and dedication to safety enabled her to identify a significant safety hazard and prevented serious injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

The origins of “Bravo Zulu” are in the Allied Naval Signal Book, which for decades has been used by members of NATO, established in 1949.

AM3 Joshuaemmanuel G. Abello

On 24 August 2020, while performing a daily turnaround inspection, AM3 Abello noticed an abnormal bulge on the port side turnbuckle support arm of Aircraft 169000. He immediately notified maintenance control of the discrepancy. Further, inspection revealed a crack in the arm that required maintenance action. The part was changed and the aircraft returned to service with no operational impact. His steadfast awareness and overall motivation prevented a potential mishap. AM3 Abello`s outstanding performance has justly won the admiration and respect of his shipmates and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

AWO3 David Rojo

During a normal P-8A interior preflight, observer AWO3 Rojo noticed a broken shear wire on one of the six oxygen bottles on board. He immediately notified the mission commander and plane captain to remedy the situation. This led to a discussion among the squadron that resulted in the identification of three other oxygen bottles incorrectly shear wired on another aircraft. His attention to detail during a usually benign procedure resulted in increased safety awareness for the entire squadron. AWO3 Rojo was awarded the “Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group” Safety Pro Award for these actions.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Please use the following guidelines when submitting BZ nominations.

Send us a written article (as the above featured BZ stories) at:

SAFE-MECH@navy.mil

BRAVO ZULU NOMINATION

BZ nomination article length: 90-150 words

PHOTOS

All photos must be good, clear quality and in high resolution (300 DPI) or larger than 1MB per photo.

When you email your BZ nomination, include the file and photo. Also, use the author’s name as the file name.

Example: JohnDoe.doc.

ALL OTHER ARTICLES

Short story: 450- 500 words Long story: 1,200-1,600 words News briefs: 500 words Photos are encouraged, but optional. If you included an image, please add the photo credits as well.

Example: Photo by Jane Doe.

E-mail all the stories to: SAFE-MECH@navy.mil

We look forward to receiving your great articles!