Every evolution aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) is orchestrated and conducted under the supervision of competent and knowledgeable Sailors. The inherent risk that comes with working aboard a war ship is great, but the men and women of the safety department ensure that every step along the way performed in a safe environment.

“We make sure that whether we’re out to sea or in port, that everyone completes their tasks in the safest possible way with all the appropriate precautions,” says Cmdr. Rob Radak, the safety officer aboard Ike. “A big part of that, especially as an aircraft carrier, is flight deck safety, but on board general shipboard safety is just as important.”

The safety department Sailors consist of a combination of temporarily assigned duty (TAD) personnel that work alongside the Safety Officer. They handle all of the chits and some of the equipment involved with maintenance work.

“Basically, we’re here for prevention and protection,” said Operations Specialist Seaman Jenny Porter, one of the Sailors assigned to the safety department. “This is why we supply things like ear buds, respirators and eye protection. Something as simple as that can make a big impact when the whole ship is protected. We provide guidance on safety to prevent injuries for personnel.”

While some of the safety department is busy giving equipment and chits, others are roving the ship, and inspecting spaces to make sure that Sailors are in a safe, non-hazardous working environment.

“Anything can happen, a Sailor could get hurt off of the smallest mishap,” says Porter. “The rules and processes that we put into motion are to lessen the chances of a bad situation happening. That’s why we walk spaces. You don’t want to be working somewhere unsafe or be halfway into painting or grinding a deck and suddenly something flies into your eye.”

With the Ike being in the shipyard, some extra challenges are present when being a safety Sailor. The challenges are worked through and overcome by hard effort though.

“When we came into the shipyards, we expected that things would be a little different between the shipyard’s safety protocols and a ship’s,” said Radak. “It could have been an issue, but we have made safety a top priority as a team. Safety is an all-hands evolution, and it takes all of us as a whole to stay safe.”

The Ike will always need people to maintain her, and Sailors will always have work to do around the ship. With Safety on the mission to prevent and protect injuries, Ike Sailors can work without fear.

“If you see something, say something, because you might be the only one that sees an unsafe situation,” said Radak “Just one person can save a ship from catastrophic events sometimes.”

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