IKE Receives 2022 CNO Afloat Safety Award

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

03.09.2023

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jorge LeBaron 

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)   

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) received the FY22 Chief of Naval operations Afloat Safety Award March 9, 2023.

Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, Commander of Carrier Strike Group Two, presented the award on IKE’s bridge and praised the safety program, which maintained safe and healthy working conditions for all hands throughout the planned incremental availability.

“You were compared to all of the CVNs in the Navy, and you were selected to be the award recipients, which is no small feat,” said Miguez. “This is a major achievement, and I am extremely proud of this ship and I know the Captain is as well. I want to thank you for taking care of each other and doing the right thing.”
IKE’s Safety Officer CDR Sean Dougherty, along with his safety team, coordinated IKE’s safety program.

“The safety department coordinates with all IKE departments by roving the ship and identify hazards to safety,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Chief Petty Officer John Hope, IKE safety department’s leading chief petty officer. “Hazard abatement is the responsibility of more than just the Safety Department. The Engineering Department tirelessly worked to identifying every damage control material deficiency on the ship, better preparing us for any casualty that may occur, improving the survivability of the ship and the safety of the crew. Supply Department, ensures that an adequate supply of PPE is on hand for every Sailor. Safety also works hand in hand with the ships zone Inspection teams to ensure that the safety issues discovered during the zone Inspection process are brought to the attention of the safety department and corrected.”

Hope and the entire safety team regularly inspect all spaces throughout the ship to ensure safety standards are continuously being met. In addition, they constantly provide training and guidance to all Sailors.

“I am proud to say that our safety department fosters a positive safety culture whether in port or at sea,” said Hope. “Winning this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work that the Safety Department and crew put forth to be recognized throughout the fleet.”

Miguez stated IKE's safety program runs at such a high level because of the standards that the commanding officer has established, the vision of the safety department, and the efforts of each and every Sailor.
Aboard IKE, command leadership is actively involved in ensuring safety concerns are identified and mitigated. In addition, input from crew is received by safety department during quarterly Enlisted Safety Committee and Safety Council meetings. Input received is discussed during meetings and input from the crew is received when determining risk mitigation.
“The crew constantly brings safety concerns to safety department via email, face to face conversations, and anonymous safety concern boxes,” said Hope. “Safety concerns are discussed and mitigations are put into effect at the appropriate level. Prior to high risk evolutions, safety briefs are conducted with all hands involved and safety observers are on station to ensure compliance with safety procedures.”

Moving forward, IKE’s safety department plans to build on its success and continue to promote safe practices of every aspect of the day to day procedures.
“We will continue to promote a ‘Just’ safety culture and encourage ways to elevate the standards established to ensure the IKE stays the safest and best damn ship in the Navy.”

• Date Taken: 03.09.2023
• Date Posted: 03.23.2023 17:46
• Story ID: 440756
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US