‘Big E’ Prepares for 101 Critical Days of Summer

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SHUTTLE USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Thursday July 7, 2011

BIG ‘E’ Prepares for 101 Critical Days of Summer

Photo Illustration by MC2Aaron Chase

Thursday, July 7, 2011

the SHUTTLE

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Enterprise News

‘Big E’ Prepares for 101 Critical Days of Summer

By MCSN Jesse Gonzalez USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea – As the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) makes its journey toward home from deployment July 7, its Sailors and Marines are looking forward to some rest, relaxation and fun in the sun during the hot summer months.

To truly enjoy their well-earned leisure time, Big ‘E’ Sailors must be diligent in practicing proper safety at all times and keep in mind that summertime carries a great potential for accidents and mishaps.

“Safety does not end at the foot of the brow,” said Enterprise’s safety officer, Cmdr. Daniel A. Haight. “We all need to ensure we take the same precautions at home as we do on the ship. The 101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign helps us ensure we do just that.”

“101 Critical Days of Summer” is a Department of Defense campaign to combat the high number of mishaps during the summer. This is because the season brings the potential for increased risk, with more people on the roadways, more water recreation, more sporting activities and more partying.

A good step toward decreasing risk is to incorporate on-duty lessons like operational risk management (ORM) to your everyday lives, said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class (SW/AW) Beadel A. Donawa, the leading petty officer of Enterprise’s safety department.

“Keep in mind the majority of

the crew aboard Enterprise did not have a full summer last year,” said Donawa. “Add to that the return from a six month deployment and without proper planning, there’s an increased risk for mishaps. It’s your responsibility and duty to use ORM and common sense in everything you do.”

Increased summer travel is an additional risk for Sailors back home, especially after six months without driving themselves, said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) James K. Owen.

“When you’re traveling, start the trip by being well rested, try to plan your trip during the daylight hours and avoid driving at night if possible,” said Owen. “When you take long road trips, schedule breaks every two hours and never drink and drive.”

Owning a motorcycle, another popular form of transportation, brings great responsibility, including required motorcycle safety courses and numerous hours of practice to fine tune driving skills, said Donawa.

Along with getting reacquainted with their vehicles, Sailors must readapt to life back home. Owen said Sailors must remember when returning home that one can’t just jump back into things.

“Never jump to conclusions,” said Owen. “You have been gone for some time therefore people around you will have to readjust to you returning home.”

Returning home from a very rewarding deployment can be one of the greatest feelings in any Sailor’s life. However, everything that one has accomplished, from

Mowing your lawn?

Don’t tape or clamp the handle so that

you can run with

mower without

holding it.

Get the right tools for a do it yourself job. Rent them if you have to (if you need jack stands,

don’t settle for concrete blocks or

logs) Using power tools at home? Read the owner’s manual—it will save you time, pain, and wasted material.

Alcohol involvement in fatal crashes peaks at night. Be extra careful while driving between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Avoiding Distracted Driving: Focus on the task at hand.

Refrain from smoking, eating and another activities that takes your mind and eyes off the road.

Be visible when walking at night.

Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.

For more information and safety tips, visit www.safetycenter.navy.mil or Enterprise’s safety department for more information.

qualifications to advancements, means nothing if it’s taken away in an accident or incident back home.

Proper safety practices prevent this risk. If you go boating, be sure to take a safety course that is provided by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) beforehand.

When grilling, make sure your grill is clear at least three feet from your house or anything that can catch on fire, and never leave it unattended while in use, said Donawa.

“Grilling is always a fun social event and alcohol is sometimes present. Remember, if you invite people to your house you are legally responsible if you let someone that is drinking drive home,” said Donawa. “So make sure that every group has a designated driver or call a cab for your shipmate or have them spend

the night,” said Donawa.

Haight also urged Sailors to remember to be prepared for anything when Enterprise returns home, as hurricane season is approaching Big ‘E’s homeport of Norfolk, Va. “Have your family ready to evacuate. Have a copy of the Enterprise Family Disaster Plan and be ready to execute it,” said Haight.

“Bottom line is having a plan,” said Owen. “Take it easy, relax, save your money, readjust and have some fun, but be safe because we need all of you to return to Big ‘E’ safe and ready to go.”

For more information, contact the Navy Safety Center at www. safetycenter.navy.mil or contact Enterprise’s safety department.

Sailors of the Day Aviation Ordnanceman Airman

Melquawn I. Alexander - Fayetteville, NC

AOAN(AW) Alexander, who is temporarily assigned duty to the religious ministries department, serves as a religious service assistant. He joined the Navy to change his life for the better, see the world and, “grow up and take care of my responsibilities.” To Alexander, the most rewarding part of his job is helping shipmates through good and bad times. He also enjoys helping Sailors and Marines keep in contact with family via United Through Reading. His goals are getting his qualifications, advancing to third class, and getting his degree.

SUDOKU!

Personnel Specialist Seaman Apprentice

Volodymyr L. Gonor - Fair Lawn, NJ

PSSA Volodymyr L. Gonor, a personnel clerk for the“Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, joined the Navy fifteen months ago. To Gonor, the most rewarding part of his job is helping shipmates with administrative problems. His goals include getting his air warfare pin, advancing to E-4 and going to school.

Photos by MCSN Jared M. King

Strike Group 12 Sailor of the Week Operations Specialist 2nd Class

Cory J. Woll - Staten Island, New York

OS2 Woll, an N3 surface and air watch officer, joined the Navy three years and six months ago because he was inspired to action after witnessing the attack on the twin towers. To Woll, the most rewarding part of his job is, “providing a flawless maritime surface picture to the admiral and the warfare commanders” and knowing his job plays an essential part in mission critical desicions.

His goals are earning his warfare pins, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and making first class.