By Katherine L. Midyette, NAVAIR Depot, Jacksonville Public Affairs Specialist

This was a banner year for the Naval Air Depot Jacksonville’s safety program. With the most recent selection for the Department of the Navy (DON) 2004 Safety Excellence Award, the Depot adds another award to its list of accomplishments. Ms. Connie DeWitte, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Safety congratulated the Depot for the “exemplary performance demonstrated by Naval Air Depot, Jacksonville, reflecting an uncompromising professionalism and safety-focused organizational culture essential to your continued mission success and optimal readiness… This superlative achievement identifies NADEP Jacksonville as among the “best of the best” and is directly attributable to an all hands effort.”

In addition to the DON award, the command has also received the following awards:

The 2003 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Award for Achievement in Safety Ashore, Large Industrial Activity Award. This award is presented annually to Navy and Marine Corps activities and Fleet Operational / Support Units located ashore based on the overall quality of their Occupational Safety and Health Programs. The track record of success at NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville can be attributed to the energetic and proactive cooperation between Occupational Safety and Health, and Depot personnel at all levels of the Command. Winners of this award are automatically nominated for the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Safety and Occupational Health Award.

The SECNAV Safety and Occupational Health Shore Safety Award in the Large Industrial category. This award is based on the overall quality of the safety and occupational health programs, mishap prevention records and contributions to the Navy’s Safety and Occupational Health program. The philosophy embraced at NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville is that the safety, health, and well-being of our personnel, both military and civilian, prudent safeguarding of Navy warfighting assets, and Depot facilities and equipment, go hand-in-hand with top-notch quality aerospace production.

The 2003 CNO / Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Aviation Safety Award. This award is based on 37 years and 27,311.7 flight hours of Class A/B mishap-free flying. Safety is the number one priority at NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville. The artisans and aircrew know every time they turn a wrench or become airborne that safety is paramount and is never to be compromised. They strive for safety and continuous improvement in all aspects of the workplace, as their ultimate commitment is to support the Warfighter.

The Depot is very proud of its Safety Program and the employees who work everyday to prevent injuries and further improve work efficiency throughout the Depot. This remarkable sequence of accomplishments signifies the tangible evidence of the Depot’s commitment to train employees about safety, improve the safety program, and to continue to demonstrate a safe and healthful workplace.