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Weapons Safety earns AF honors

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 51st Fighter Wing Safety Office weapons safety section was recently recognized as the best explosive safety program in the Air Force.

"I think this recognition is well deserved," said Lt. Col. Braxton Rehm, 51st FW Chief of Safety. "This shop constantly goes above and beyond what is expected."

During 2007, the section completed 79 site plans and worked with the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade to reduce explosive violation by 65 percent with no reduction in mission capability.

The office also works closely with the Republic of Korea Air Force to re-accomplish outdated off-base explosive routes, lessening the risk to the civilian population with no impact to mission requirements.

"This is one of the most challenging jobs I've ever had," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Smithhart, weapons safety superintendent. "The high turnover rate makes it tough, but establishing good working relations with every base organization helps."

In addition to managing and training unit safety representatives, the section is also responsible for performing quarterly, annual and spot inspection on all weapons facilities and operations.

"Because of the size of the base and the proximity of weapons and ammunition to people and other assets, we are also involved with every base construction project," Colonel Rehm said.

"Our job is to identify any risks and mitigate those risks by having a proper weapons site plan. Without a proper site plan, the project doesn't move forward."

Having phenomenal teamwork also helps.

"Each Airman brings with them a core of information and knowledge of the career field," he said. "Combining their talents has helped them become a successful team."

2007 Air Force Safety Award, Explosive Category

-- Master Sgt. Joey Valenzuela
-- Master Sgt. Jeffrey Smithhart
-- Tech. Sgt. Jerry Large
-- Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Williams
-- Tech. Sgt. Jason Braatz
-- Tech. Sgt. Walter Swan

In addition, the Safety Office was honored with the following awards:

PACAF Weapons Safety Trophy

PACAF Ground Safety Manager of the Year Award
-- Master Sgt. Sydney Parker

PACAF Weapons Safety Well Done Award
-- Tech Sgt. Jerry Large