CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The holidays are here and no matter how it's celebrated, the holiday season should be a joyous time for family and friends. The new year will be upon us and, with it, the promise of new beginnings and a fresh start. I always tend to use this time of year to reflect on recent events and to prepare for the new year that is to come. There are some things you can to do have a happy New Year's. They include paying even closer attention to safety issues related at work, at home and while traveling.
Rushing through the holidays seems to be the norm, frequently losing situational awareness. A recent mishap brings to mind many safety issues. During routine operations at another base, a K-Loader driver hit the accelerator instead of the break. The spotter, after giving the arm signal to stop, moved behind the vehicle. The driver was not focused on what he was doing; the spotter didn't wait to ensure the vehicle was stopped. Everyone was in a hurry and not focused on the task at hand, and the result was a broken spine and probable paralysis for life.
It's not a holiday story anyone wants to relate -- it's a tragedy.
Although mission accomplishment is of paramount importance, it must be done safely and without injury to members or damage to equipment. Both efficiency and safety can be accomplished; the two are not mutually exclusive. Safety guidelines, technical orders and common sense should always prevail. Repetitive tasks done every day often have the greatest potential for disaster. Stay focused on the task at hand, whether at work, at home or traveling this holiday season.
During the holidays, more lives are lost to traffic mishaps than any other activity. If your plans include traveling, please do a personal risk assessment and make your plans accordingly. Supervisors should be involved when leave is submitted -- especially with our younger Airmen who may be driving long distances. Young Airmen are twice as likely to be involved in a safety mishap.
Another driving issue during the holidays is drinking and driving. Echoing Air Mobility Command commander Gen. Arthur Lichte's commentary earlier this month, "Drinking and driving is never the right option." If you are hosting events this holiday, be a responsible host and ensure there are designated drivers. Serve food if you plan to serve alcohol, and never let anyone drive who is intoxicated.
Ending this week's commander's comments on a very positive note, our 52nd C-17, P-181 was delivered by Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos Dec. 11. General Therianos is the director of Intelligence, AMC, Scott AFB, Ill. Our stable of C-17s has not grown in many years and it's heartening to see new aircraft added to our ramp.
The Globemaster is both a workhorse and a thoroughbred with accomplishments that become more impressive every year. With each additional aircraft, Team Charleston will sharpen our edge as the mobility experts in the world's greatest Air Force. I look forward to a new year, with new iron on the ramp and a fresh spring to our step.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!