LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
This summer has been the safest ever for Air Combat Command, said Frank Altamura, ACC ground safety chief.
The Air Force has seen a reduction in safety mishaps this year, and ACC is experiencing an even greater reduction. For the first time, the command hasn't had any fatalities in the first eight weeks of the 101 Critical Days of Summer.
"We're leading the pack," he said.
The 1st Fighter Wing has experienced a similar reduction in safety mishaps.
"It's been pretty quiet, thank goodness," said Tech. Sgt. Dominic Cilia, 1st Fighter Wing ground safety superintendant.
During the current 101 Critical Days of Summer period, Air Force off-duty fatalities are down 38 percent. As of July 18, seven fatalities have occurred Air Force wide compared to the 12 experienced during the same time period last year, according to the Air Force Safety Center.
The Air Force created the 101 Critical Days of Summer in 1992 because of an annual surge in safety mishaps every summer. During that year, ACC had 21 fatalities. Last year, there were seven.
Altamura credits the 101 Critical Days of Summer safety programs for the reduction in mishaps, a key factor of which has been Airmen intervening to help other Airmen.
"The biggest thing right now is the wingman program," he said. "That's made a big impact."
Because Airmen have been watching out for each other, some mishaps have been reduced in severity, while others have been completely avoided, Mr. Altamura said.
Another key factor in the reduction of mishaps is the distribution of information to Airmen through seat belt, motorcycle safety and anti-driving under the influence training. In the future, ACC may also introduce a motor-scooter training program similar to the current motorcycle one.
Despite the reduction in safety mishaps, Sergeant Cilia warns that we must not become complacent.
"You can't let your guard down," he said. "Supervisors and senior leaders must continue to touch base with all the Airmen."
"We want to impart that people continue to practice good stewardship--good wingmanship," Mr. Altamura said, "for themselves, and their families, and their friends and their coworkers."
For more information on safety and the 101 Critical Days of Summer, visit the
HQ ACC Safety Directorate Web site.