Whether it is flight operations, prepping meals or operations in the propulsion plants, one thing required to perform nearly every task - electricity. This makes practically every job aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) dangerous in some way.

Luckily, Truman has a dedicated team to keep its crew safe from the dangers of electricity.

"The consequences of us not doing our job are grave," said Electrician's Mate 1st Class Robert Allison. "We take our tasks seriously, and safety seriously as well."

The job of an electrician's mate is as broad as it is important. With longer than normal hours, they stand watch in generator rooms, at switchboards and control equipment as well as, operate and perform organizational intermediate maintenance on power and lighting circuits. Along with these responsibilities, they also manage a program that protects against sometimes fatal incidences.

The electrical safety program is designed to perform two tasks: prevent electrical damage to the ship by ensuring that proper energizing procedures are followed and ensure the safety of the Truman crew by implementing security measures to avoid mishaps.

"One of the more important things that we do is to provide an electrical 'tag outs'," said Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Matthew Ritt. "When we 'tag out,' we hang a tag on equipment notifying anyone who may want to try to operate that equipment that it is off and de-energized. This is done as a preventive measure against any risks."

To these steadfast professionals, keeping the ship and its crew safe is a great source of pride.

"Pride is a pretty strong word when providing safety to your shipmates," said Allison. "Everyone's number one priority on this ship should be safety. Everyone should take pride in bringing that to the ship and it is taught throughout the ranks. From the highest officer to the lowest ranking enlisted, we must all focus on safety."

Truman is currently at sea conducting its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).

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