Motorcycle Safety Programs Emphasized at NAS Fallon

FALLON, Nev. (NNS) -- The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) provides an outstanding opportunity for new and experienced motorcycle riders to learn safe riding practices on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon.

In addition to his duties as NSAWC Risk Management and Safety department leading chief petty officer, Master Chief Avionics Technician Mike Marsh from Lewistown, Mont. mentors military personnel, Department of Defense civilians and local citizens in the basic and experienced motorcycle safety courses for the past six years.

"I started coaching as a senior chief here at NAS Fallon." said Marsh. "NAS Fallon is the only base that I've coached at, but I have also coached in Camarillo and Simi Valley Calif., and for the state of Nevada. With more than 28 years of riding experience, Marsh teaches the principles of safe motorcycle riding to more than 225 students over 15-20 classes per year.

According to the Naval Safety Center Web site, the Navy has experienced seven deaths in fiscal year 2009 from motorcycle-related accidents and the Marine Corps experienced 12. In fiscal year 2008, the Navy experienced a total of 33 motorcycle fatalities and the Marines 25. This was greater than the number of Sailors and Marines lost in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom combined.

Released in NAVADMIN 079/09, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West emphasized the importance of the motorcycle safety program to senior enlisted leaders throughout the fleet. "Our highways are a battle zone that unnecessarily accounted for thirty-three motorcycle casualties last year, while many others suffered lifelong injuries. I'm calling on the chief petty officer mess and the first class petty officers to engage the deckplate and ensure our Sailors get the proper required training."

NAS Fallon Air Traffic Control facility officer Lt. Ken Lane from Cleveland was one of the Basic Riders Course (BRC)students in attendance. "I thought the course was outstanding and I attribute that to Master Chief Mike Marsh. He volunteers his time for the Basic Riders Course to allow Sailors the opportunity to ride and most importantly ride safely." said Lane. "I had never been on a motorcycle before and he walked me through the entire process, I feel extremely confident and I owe it all to master chief."

Marsh was recently awarded a letter of appreciation from Capt. Michael Glaser, commanding officer of NAS Fallon for his efforts supporting the Department of the Navy to make motorcycle safety a priority.

Marsh credits retired Cmdr. Dave Faulk for suggesting to Marsh that he share his knowledge of motorcycle riding so others could benefit. "After attending the Rider Coach course, I found myself wondering what took me so long to get into this." said Marsh. "It's extremely fun and rewarding, you get to meet some of the most interesting people in these classes and make lifetime friends."

The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center is the center of excellence for naval training and tactics development and provides service to aircrews, squadrons and air wings throughout the United States Navy through flight training, academic instructional classes and direct operational and intelligence support.

For more news from Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsawc/.