USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) was presented the Safety Achievement Award flag August 17 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in front of the entire crew during an all hands call. Ike is the first aircraft carrier to win this award, which was given to acknowledge accomplishments in teamwork, planning and cooperation during its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) phase of the Optimized Fleet Readiness Program (OFRP).

“Safety underlies everything we do here on the mighty Ike,” said Capt. Kyle P. Higgins, Ike’s commanding officer. “It’s a great measure of how the crew and the shipyard strive toward getting us back to sea. I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”

 What makes maintaining safety to the standard of this award such a challenge for aircraft carriers is the sheer population of the ship’s crew. Coupled with the additional challenges of coordinating both military and civilian personnel, carriers are faced with unique problems that require a constant focus on safety. 

“This award is truly marked by teamwork between everybody up here,” said Jill Wild, the director of occupational safety, health and environment for Norfolk Naval Shipyard. “How team Ike communicated and dealt with issues was key.”

Both Ike and the civilians that work on board implemented many different programs to ensure that everyone remains vigilant at all times. From stand-downs to meetings, leadership ensured that there were constant reminders of the importance of safety.

“All of these things are designed to educate the force around us so that everybody goes home safely,” said John Cleary, the safety project manager for carriers at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

Safety is everybody’s responsibility, and cooperation between both military and civilians is paramount to ensuring that it is maintained. When an individual recognizes a hazard, it’s their duty to address it, so that the next person doesn’t pay the price.

“Honestly, it’s the perfect achievement when you’re not only looking after your own safety, but you’re also looking after everybody else,” said Wild. “That was a big thing.”