COMNAVREG Pearl Harbor HI Holiday Greetings and Safety Message
This is a special time of year. It's a time to reconnect with our families. It's a time to reflect on our service and sacrifice and how we contribute to the freedoms our nation cherishes. Join me in thinking about those who cannot be with their families this holiday season - those on our team who are deployed aboard a ship or with a unit in overseas contingency operations.
This is also a time to reflect on our ability to be capable at all times to meet current challenges by remaining safe and ready. Join me in a commitment to ensuring a safe, happy, and memorable time with family and shipmates.
Over the past year, despite the inherent risks of taking care of the fleet and flight lines, we have seen success in preventing accidents and injuries in our region. On the joint base, at PMRF, with the wing at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and at each of our tenant commands in Hawaii, I know our leaders up and down the chain of command take safety seriously and are aligned with navy leadership at all levels.
MCPON West encourages us in his message this week to celebrate our operational successes of the past year, but to do so responsibly. He reminds us to use good judgment and to take care of shipmates who may be having a difficult time. You can get the tools to help yourself and your shipmates have a safer holiday season at the naval safety center website, http://safetycenter.navy.mil/, and navy alcohol and drug abuse prevention website, www.npc.navy.mil/commandsupport/nadap.
The Naval Safety Center's Winter Safety Campaign 2011 is focusing on the "fatal four": Speed, DUI, Fatigue, and no PPE. If you are planning a trip this holiday season keep this advice in mind: SLOW DOWN, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, GET PLENTY OF REST, and ALWAYS USE YOUR SEATBELT or WEAR YOUR HELMET WHEN DRIVING/RIDING. ALWAYS. Let's mitigate risks on and off duty by paying attention, slowing down, and avoiding dangerous situations and places after hours. Let's use good critical thinking and decision-making skills.
I am proud of you and for all you do every day at sea or ashore. You should know that your safety is as important to me as it is to your loved ones and your shipmates. I want you to assist me in assuring your loved ones that we are doing everything we can to ensure our safety this holiday season.
Please be responsible in taking care of yourself and your shipmates for all of us - and have a very Happy Holiday Season.
RDML Ponds