By Vaughn Larson
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – The livin' in summertime may be easy, to paraphrase the song, but that's no reason to take it easy where safety is concerned.
That was the message behind a "Critical Days of Summer" safety stand-down event May 22 at the Windjammer, held for both Joint Task Force Guantanamo troopers and Naval Station Sailors.
According to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, more off-duty accidents and traffic fatalities occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day than at any other time of year. During this time span last year, 43 Sailors and Marines died due to off-duty accidents. According to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, 77 service members lost their lives in private motor vehicle accidents during the 101 days of summer.
But last Thursday's safety event was about more than driving.
"[We want] to make soldiers more aware of safety concerns during work and off-time," explained Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Nugent, the safety non-commissioned officer for the Commissions Support Group.
He emphasized using the buddy system and awareness of marine wildlife and rip-currents to decrease swimming risks, and proper hydration to reduce heat injuries. Team and contact sports and alcohol can also cause injuries or death.
Another safety concern for residents in Guantanamo Bay is a bit beyond the norm.
"There is a lot of unexploded ordnance on the island," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gary Jones, a gunners mate and non-commissioned officer for the Guantanamo Naval Station weapons department. "Some of it's 40 to 50 years old."
Recently unexploded ordnance was found by a child and brought into a residence at Guantanamo. The explosive was identified later that day and safely removed by Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
Jones said stray ordnance includes mortars, 40-mm anti-aircraft casings and projectiles, fragment grenades, smoke grenades, 500-pound bombs and land mines. These items can turn up on leeward and windward sides of the base, on beaches or in gardens – essentially anywhere, he stressed.
Jones warned against handling any suspected ordnance, due to the potential danger of live fuses or primers.
Other booths at the safety stand-down promoted alcohol awareness, blood pressure, water safety and the American Red Cross.
Subscribe
