Naval Aviation Conducts Stand Down to Focus on Safety
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060303-19
Release Date: 3/3/2006 9:49:00 PM
From Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. Jim Zortman directed a Navywide aviation safety stand down March 3, to be conducted by all non-deployed squadrons no later than March 10. Deployed squadrons will conduct the stand down as operations permit.
A safety stand down is a leadership tool that includes but is not limited to a thorough review of our operating environment, operational tempo, standard operating procedures, maintenance material condition, and our own personal stressors. The desired effect is to identify risks in our units and to take action to mitigate them.
“I’m directing this stand down in the wake of a series of aviation mishaps that have occurred over the past two months. While no single factor can be attributed to these incidents, it’s important that we stop our daily training and thoroughly review our procedures and the risks of the environment in which we operate,” Zortman said.
Since the beginning of fiscal year 2006, the Navy has experienced nine class “alpha” mishaps. By this date in 2005, the Navy had experienced eight. A class alpha mishap is defined as a loss of aircraft; or greater than $1 million in damage; or a loss of life; or a permanent disability.
“While we’re almost exactly where we were at this time last year, it is important that we halt this trend of the past two months, and that’s why I’ve directed this stand down. Accomplishing the mission and returning home safely remain our priorities. We continue to be the best-trained, most qualified war-fighting aviators in the world. I want to ensure we’re focusing on the fundamentals, which are key to achieving success,” said Zortman.
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