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Second Fleet Commander Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090110-01
Release Date: 1/10/2009 7:59:00 AM

From U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- In a message released Jan. 1, the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet outlined one of his New Year's resolutions for the 2nd Fleet: to continue maintaining the highest level of safety during fleet operations.

The communiqué from 2nd Fleet Vice Adm. Mel Williams Jr. is directed to all 2nd Fleet commanders and leaders as part of Williams' plan to maintain alignment of effort within the fleet.

"As you know my three focus areas at Second Fleet are: Fleet operations to achieve mission, preparing ready maritime forces for global assignment, and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy," Williams' message begins.

"As we begin the year 2009, I once again reaffirm my commitment to the safe and effective conduct of fleet operations."

He continued in the message by directing leaders to engage personnel in several key areas:

•The review and use of approved procedures which are germane to safety at sea, in the air, on the ground, and in port operations to include personal safety.

•Attention to operational risk management -- a system by which specific hazards involved with an operation are identified, and procedures are implemented to minimize the risks involved.

•Capturing lessons learned during fleet operations, and factoring those lessons into key training programs and procedural updates.

•Continuing to conduct effective training while at sea, to achieve understanding, proficiency, and team cohesion.

In his message, Williams notes that, with the new year, 2nd Fleet is entering a period of significant activity, with 2009 seeing the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group conducting integrated training, four aircraft carriers coming on-line after significant maintenance periods, and other operational events.

"I ask for your commitment and action towards safe and effective fleet operations within the Second Fleet Area of Responsibility," Williams concludes, adding his best wishes to the fleet for a happy new year.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c2f/.