NSWC Dahlgren Division engineers David Sadler (left) and Rob Heflin review a blueprint while discussing ordnance handling routes throughout a Navy warship where safety is crucial in the transportation and storage of ordnance. Sadler and Heflin were recognized with the 2010 Secretary of the Navy Safety Excellence Award for their work to make the Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board (WSESRB) an emerging center of excellence. WSESRB is the Chief of Naval Operations' independent oversight for safety compliance of all Navy munitions. The board has demonstrated exceptional success over the years in indentifying, mitigating and eliminating safety hazards throughout the development lifecycle of Navy weapons and combat systems. (Submitted photo)
WASHINGTON (October 13, 2010)—Two NSWC Dahlgren Division engineers received the 2010 Secretary of the Navy Safety Excellence Award at a Navy Memorial ceremony Oct. 4.
The Chief of Naval Operations and Marine Corps Commandant thanked award recipients — including NSWCDD Engagement Systems Department engineers Rob Heflin and David Sadler — for their part in making safety integral to the Department of the Navy's culture.
Heflin and Sadler were specifically recognized for their work to make the Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board (WSESRB) an emerging center of excellence.
"The depth of system safety knowledge and experience on the board is unequalled in any U.S. military forum I'm aware of," said Heflin. "The opportunity to impact safety across the broad spectrum of programs the WSESRB reviews is both an honor and a responsibility that I believe the board members take very seriously."
WSESRB is the Chief of Naval Operations' independent oversight for safety compliance of all DoN military munitions. The board has demonstrated exceptional success over the years in indentifying, mitigating and eliminating safety hazards throughout the development lifecycle of Navy weapons and combat systems.
"From a personal perspective, it's a terrific opportunity to share NSWC Dahlgren Division safety practices and methodologies with other organizations," said Heflin.
Sadler, a system safety engineer, provided technical assistance to the WSESRB chair through assessments of weapons safety and acquisition programs of other agencies during a one-year assignment at the Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA). He participated in software system safety technical review panels, fuse and initiation system technical review panels, joint weapon system reviews, developed weapons system policy and supported Navy and Marine Corps urgent need programs.
Heflin, a senior safety engineer, provided safety program review and assessment support and served as the NSWC system safety liaison with NOSSA while serving as a permanent WSESRB member representing the Naval Surface Warfare Centers.
Board members, representing over 14 different Navy commands and agencies, ensure that a robust standard of comprehensive safety and risk management processes are integrated into weapon developmental programs.
The Safety Excellence Award, established in 2002 by former Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England, is the Department of the Navy's premier tribute to commands and programs promoting Sailor, Marine and civilian safety, and protecting U.S. Navy ships, facilities and aircraft from mishap.
"What you have accomplished in the last year is proof-positive of your 'mission first, safety always' command culture and your commitment to each other, safety excellence, the nation, and the advent of the Department of the Navy as a world class safety organization," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in a Sept. 10 Navy message congratulating the recipients.
A Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) program office and two field activities also received the SECNAV Safety Excellence Award for 2010.
NAVSEA's Ship-to-Shore Connector, Amphibious Warfare Program Office received the Safety Integration in Acquisition award; Southwest Regional Maintenance Center tied with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in the Ashore, Industrial, Category B; and the Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board was recognized as an Emerging Center of Excellence.
"As the commander of Naval Sea Systems Command, I am always concerned about the safety of our workforce as well as the warfighters we support," said Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy. "Increasing safety across the board continues to be a NAVSEA priority because, as an organization and in the environment that we work, that is the only way we can approach the business we are in. I'm very proud of our team for this recognition. Of course, the true reward is in the reduction of accidents, injuries and mishaps."
Award recipients were presented with a plaque, citation and the Secretary of the Navy's Safety Excellence flag at the ceremony. Award recipients will be authorized to fly the SECNAV Safety Excellence flag for a period of one year.
Source: NSWC Dahlgren Division