Mission first, safety always

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Many changes occurred throughout the Air Force during 2008, but one thing that remained the same was the focus on Airmen's safety.

During 2008, Moody experienced one of its safest years in recent history, said Lt. Col. Joe Rizzuto, 23rd Wing Safety chief.

"Throughout the year, we stressed personal and operational risk management," added Colonel Rizzuto. "Our safety campaigns paid off; we had no ground or weapons Class A or B mishaps and no fatalities at Moody."

Class A mishaps include reportable damage in excess of $1 million, a fatality or permanent total disability or destruction of a Department of Defense aircraft. A Class B mishap includes reportable damage of $200,000 to $1 million, any injury resulting in lost time at work or an occupational injury that causes a permanent change of job.

Colonel Rizzuto attributed the wing's successes to programs held throughout the year reminding Airmen to use the proper steps to ensure not only personal safety but the safety of others, while on or off duty.

Programs included a base-wide Safety Day focusing on Operational Risk Management and Personal Risk Management, a holiday greeting from wing leadership reminding Airmen to use safe practices during holiday weekends and a continued focus on helping Airmen make smart decisions.

In addition, Moody also achieved a 50 percent reduction in Class C motorcycle mishaps. This type of mishap constitutes any reportable damage from $20,000 to $200,000, any injury resulting in lost time at work and an occupational injury resulting in a permanent change of job.

"We really concentrated on motorcycle safety this year," said Colonel Rizzuto. "From hosting a Motorcycle Rodeo, which recognized our best rider on base, to holding an in-house motorcycle training class that helped train 267 riders."

Despite the successes during 2008, Moody's leadership stressed the importance of carrying these trends into 2009.

"All Flying Tiger Airmen can be extremely proud of their accomplishments, on and off duty last year (2008)," said Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander. "But as we recognize our Airmen for their outstanding leadership and wingmanship, we can't let our guard down. In order to achieve success in 2009, we need every Airman to continue to focus on a safe and productive environment at work, and responsible decision making off duty."

"I have no doubt our Airmen will continue the safety successes of 2008 and build on them in the new year."