Feature Search

Team Andersen upholds safety standards, garners awards

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Each year, the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff and Chief of Safety Awards are presented to safety teams throughout the Air Force who are able to reach a higher standard than their peers.

Recently, the 36th Wing was recognized as one of the elite, garnering awards for its exemplary ground, and explosive safety programs.

According to the Air Force Safety Center, the Ground Safety Division develops Air Force ground safety programs and procedures in addition to developing and maintaining current Air Force Occupational Safety and Health standards. It performs oversight, conducts evaluations and provides staff assistance to ensure regulations are met.

"Managing safety programs, organizing safety activities, conducting inspections to eliminate mishap potential and promoting safety education are some of the responsibilities that fall to the safety team," said Tech. Sgt. Carlos Rogers, 36 SE Ground Safety manager. "Being recognized at the Air Force level says a lot about the team of safety professionals here and their dedication to keeping Andersen personnel safe and out of harm's way."

Members of the Weapons Safety Section provide for the development of Air Force, Joint and Office of the Secretary of Defense explosives safety policy and standards, as well as the approval of explosives facility siting and construction plans.

"The Explosive Safety team manages the safety aspect of all explosive operations," said Master Sgt. Timothy Anderson, 36 SE weapons safety. "This not only includes all licensed facilities, but the siting of all explosive loaded aircraft parking spots, explosive storage facilities and operating locations of the Air Force's largest net explosive weight in a munitions storage area."

Lt. Col. William Percival, 36 SE chief, expressed his belief that the award could not have been bestowed upon a more deserving unit and praised his team for their tireless efforts to uphold the integrity of the safety program.

"The 36th Wing Safety team is nothing short of exceptional," the colonel said. "Made up of dedicated noncommissioned officers who are experts in the disciplines of flight, weapons and ground safety, they aggressively support the wing's mission of Pacific Airpower."

"That they have been recognized at the Air Force level doesn't surprise me," Colonel Percival continued. "The work they have done, and continue to do, makes me proud to be a member of this first-rate team."