20th Annual Safety PDC Opens

HAMPTON, Va. (NNS) -- The 20th Annual Safety Professional Development Conference (PDC) kicked off March 12.

The conference is hosted by the Naval Safety and Environmental Training Center, based in Norfolk and this year's theme is "Mission First, Safety Always."

Hundreds of safety professionals from across the fleet gather each year to learn about the latest policy changes, technological updates, and training possibilities in their fields. During the last two decades, the safety PDC has expanded to reflect the joint operating environment in which many operate. This year's conference featured attendees from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle, commander, Naval Safety Center, welcomed the crowd and emphasized the importance of safety in the Department of Defense as a whole, and encouraged the group to share information with others of different services.

"A diverse team will always outperform a team where everyone has the same knowledge and training base. This is your opportunity to network with experts from many organizations around the world and revitalize your safety programs," he said.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Safety) Paul Hanley also addressed the conference and lauded safety as "a noble calling." He referenced Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative, which lists safety as a top priority focus area and a crucial part of fleet readiness.

"The better your safety program, the greater your warfare capability," Hanley said. "Our real challenge is the cultural adjustment that needs to occur so everyone realizes this."

The Safety PDC continues throughout the week with classes and seminars across the spectrum, including personal motor vehicles, occupational safety and health, and operational and off-duty risk management.

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For more news from Naval Safety Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsc/.