MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Aviation operations involve inherent risk. From the pilots and aircrew flying the mission, to the mechanic turning the wrench, ensuring that 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s aircraft make it off the flightline and back in one piece is a whole-team effort. Despite the inherent risks at play, the Marine Corps and the personnel at 2nd MAW never let safety take a backseat. Leading the effort to ensure 2nd MAW's Marines, Sailors and civilians operate safely are dedicated professionals like Mrs. Alura Acosta.
Over the past ten years, Mrs. Alura Acosta, a tactical safety specialist with 2nd MAW's Department of Safety and Standardization, has enthusiastically improved safety programs across 2nd MAW. During Acosta’s tenure as a TSS and operational risk manager she contributed to the development, assessment and revision of multiple safety programs. For that reason, in March 2026, Mrs. Acosta was named by Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps as the Fiscal Year 2025 Marine Corps Civilian Safety Professional of the Year.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jared H. Housand, deputy assistant chief of staff of 2nd MAW's DOSS, detailed Acosta’s devotion for the well-being of the Marines and the aviation field: “The safety field has many subparts and thus, requires people with expertise to accurately advise the command. Mrs. Acosta is constantly training 2d MAW units in fall prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations, and many other areas related to safety.” The establishment of clear and concise programs meant to teach the rotating door of marines that come througheach squadron has aided in the decrease of fall related incidents within 2nd MAW, bringing the rate to an all-time low. In congruence to the reduced risk to forces, Acosta’s efforts have also enabled Marines to safely increase aircraft inspection and maintenance speed, thereby reducing the risk to mission.
The role of a TSS is to provide technical safety and occupational health support to commanders, from live-fire ranges and explosive safety to airlift transport of personnel and cargo. Acosta steps out of her office regularly to fully understand the environment she is meant to survey and analyze. “You're not a good safety professional if you're sitting behind a desk. It’s about being involved and being a part of a command, not a piece of command,” said Acosta. Acosta deployed with the Marines of 2nd MAW twice in the past year, contributing to the operational planning for North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s joint exercise Cold Response 26, during which she provided real-time operational risk management and conducted on-site surveys of multiple locations pertinent to the exercise at the many training evolutions. “Being able to have that rapport with the Marines is very important. They trust you, and they also trust your advice.” said Acosta.
Acosta’s role as a TSS is not the only reason she feels the need to be so connected. “Not only is Mrs. Acosta a longstanding member of our community as a civilian, but she is also a former Marine who served in the aviation field. Her ability to communicate with Marines and understand their mission has proven invaluable,” said Housand. Coming from a long line of soldiers and sailors, military service had always been a step she knew she would take. “I knew I was going to join the Marines when I was about 10 years old. I wrote a little note to my mom telling her I was going to be a Marine.” Acosta enlisted as an aviation ordnance systems technician from 1997 to 2001, becoming the first Marine in her family.
It is this seasoned enthusiasm that enabled 2nd MAW to be the first Marine Aircraft Wing to establish a comprehensive policy aimed at safeguarding Marines, Sailors and civilians from fall hazards when working at elevated heights. “We’ve had incredible leaps and bounds because of the Fall Protection Program. The greatest area of improvement has been the reduction of injuries over the last couple of years,” said Acosta.
For Acosta, perfection may not be the goal, but that does not stop her from trying. “My dad and my mom always taught us; you do the right thing for the right reason every time. And I believe that, even when someone's not looking. I'm not perfect by any means, but I'm realistic,” said Acosta.
While the award highlights her efforts, Acosta is quick to share the credit. “I’m just a turtle on a fence post; somebody put me up there. A turtle can't get on a fence post by itself, right? It's a team effort.” By increasing safety awareness and prevention across 2nd MAW, Acosta's work has directly impacted the well-being of over 11,000 Marines, Sailors, and civilians, helping ensure they return home safely.