Photo By Cpl. Jonah Lovy | Gunnery Sgt. Kwan Cochrane has been selected to receive the Geico Military Service...... read more read more
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A service member from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort has been selected to receive the Geico Military Service Award. Gunnery Sgt. Kwan Cochrane, the maintenance admin chief with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, has been selected because of his innovative safety program.
According to the Geico Military Service Awards Program website, the intent is to spotlight the valuable and lasting contributions enlisted members of the Armed Forces make in three specific areas of endeavor.
An enlisted member may receive an award for achievements or contributions in the areas of drug and alcohol abuse prevention, fire safety and fire prevention, or traffic safety and accident prevention. The awards honor one enlisted member from each military service branch. These individuals are recognized for their special achievements and contributions to the public good of the civilian and/or military community.
“Being nominated for this award was a humbling experience,” said Cochrane. “We all enlist to serve and make a difference so it is an honor to know that I have.”
Cochrane was recommended for this award because of the advances he made in the ground safety program at VMFAT-501. His contributions helped the Marines avoid hazards while maintaining the F-35B Lighting II.
“I took over the ground safety at VMFAT-501,” said Cochrane. “Before that we did not have specific protocols due to the nature of our work. Marines always have safety in place but it was not an official program. I built the program up from scratch and it became necessary for us to have a fall protection system here for working on the jets.”
A system utilizing harnesses and pulleys was already installed but needed an updated design to accommodate the new features of the F-35.
“Due to the importance of the F-35 program I had to come up with something that would keep the Marines safe and maintain the readiness of the air craft,” said Cochrane. “I went out and got the harnesses developed and took the metal out of the design.”
Removing the metal from the harness allows the jet’s stealth technology to operate without interference. With the new system Marines can work on the F-35 from all angles without the danger of falling.
“My chain of command was impressed with the work I accomplished and brought in higher level personnel to review the system,” said Cochrane. “The design is now slated to be implemented in F-35 hangars all over the Marine Corps.”
Cochrane’s chain of command initially nominated him for the award. According to Gieco, each unit, base, post, or activity nominates enlisted members it considers worthy, in compliance to the established procedures of its particular service. Nominees are judged on their contributions in career or non-career related activities and the extent these activities serve to inspire other military or civilian personnel.
“I am deeply honored that my leadership recommended me for this award,” said Cochrane. “I hope that I can keep marching forward in my career and continue making a difference for my Marines.”
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2016 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 193524 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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