Execute the plan: since summer 2005, the MPR Force has reaped the benefits from reinstituting a back-to-the-basics from which focuses on using naval-aviation fundamentals and the tenets of ORM to prevent mishaps

Approach,  Nov-Dec, 2006  by Drew Kenny

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Changes to the MPR Wing Training Manual have made sure careful, rigorous aircrew training-jacket reviews are conducted monthly and before qualification milestones. Such reviews lead to early identification of aircrew difficulties and negative trends, which then are discussed at monthly positional-instructor meetings (or potentially at human-factors boards). The appropriate level of the chain of command then can be proactive and make prudent use of resources for additional training or remediation as necessary. All training jackets must receive the same level of scrutiny, including those of individuals widely considered to be above-average performers. With thorough documentation of deficiencies, chain of command visibility, and permanent filing of critical information, we monitor trends and make sure we use our existing tools properly to execute the plan.

To go along with admitting our shortcomings, it is important to publicly recognize what we do right. Everyone in the MPR Force has a voice when it comes to safety issues. Active, all-hands involvement is required to eliminate the errors that lead to mishaps. As an aid to building the critical mass of safety thinkers, RDML Prindle recognizes individuals at the squadron level through Safety Pro Flag Letters of Commendation. At least one person in every squadron is recognized monthly. The abundant nominations are a great indicator the MPR Force is made up of confident, well-trained Sailors who know safery-related issues and are willing to point out unsafe practices, procedures, or environments. Safety pros take the lead to root out and eliminate non-compliance and serve as role models with an ongoing demonstration that commands truly are committed to developing a vibrant safety culture.

The measures detailed in this article were easy to implement, and they work. By employing basic risk-mitigation strategies and continuously emphasizing by-the-book execution of the plan, we have enhanced productivity and raised safety awareness. While we have made good progress developing and sustaining a critical mass of proactive safety thinkers, we still have more work to do.

For any measure to continually be successful, repetitive attention from the most junior Sailors to the highest levels of leadership is essential. The MPR Force is very aware that for each "hidden seed of the next disaster" we successfully eliminate, several more are waiting to grow. All hands must understand and embrace their responsibility to continually search for these seeds and, when found, take positive action.

Cdr. Kenny is the MPR Force safety officer, and flies as an instructor pilot with VP-30 based in NAS Jacksonville.

COPYRIGHT 2006 U.S. Naval Safety Center
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