A Marine assigned to the Marine Corps Training Division at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific jumps from a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, assigned to the 'Knightriders' of Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164 during a training exercise. The exercise was the conclusion of the Infantry Company Small Boat Raid Course. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tim Godbee)
In the Marine Corps, safety is paramount. Whether on the range, the flight line, the obstacle course or just doing every day operations, the Corps strives to keep its Marines safe and mission-ready. To this end, the Marine Corps focused on 15 areas of safety in the past fiscal year with 80 different initiatives. These initiatives will continue into fiscal year 2012, to better protect and preserve the Marine fighting force.
Each year, the Marine Corps recognizes commands and individuals who significantly contribute to overall Marine Corps safety. The recipients of the 2011 Marine Corps Safety Award are being honored for their vital role in reducing the number of mishaps, increasing mission readiness and preserving the Corps’ most vital asset – its Marines, sailors and civilian Marines.
The awards will be presented by the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., at the 26th Executive Force Preservation Board on March 28, 2012.
Here are the recipients of this year’s awards:
The Marine Corps Warrior Preservation award:
Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif.
Marine Corps Individual Superior Achievement in Safety awards:
Officer: Capt. Phillip Wiktor, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169
Enlisted: Staff Sgt. Arthur Lee, Marine Aircraft Group 12
Civilian: Mr. Michael James, Marine Corps System Command C
Marine Corps Achievement in Safety awards:
Group I: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
Group III: Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, GA
Group IV: Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Fla.
Congratulations to all recipients for their hard work and dedication in making the Marine Corps a safer place.