The 35th Fighter Wing safety office: keeping the 'Wild Weasel’ off the

The 35th Fighter Wing safety office: keeping the 'Wild Weasel’ off the endangered species list

By Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks, 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published July 03, 2018

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dorian Lewis, a 35th Fighter Wing occupational safety technician, hands U.S. Navy Seaman Alston Thornton, a Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Detachment Misawa aerographer’s mate, a protective hat to wear before he rides a bike while wearing Fatal Vision goggles during the 75th Safety Convention held at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2018. These specialized goggles allowed participants to experience how alcohol impairs a person’s balance, vision, reaction time and judgment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Adam Cardona, a 35th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, puts a pair of Fatal Vision goggles on during the 75th Safety Convention held at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2018. The experience helped participants realize how susceptible they are to the potential danger associated with alcohol impairment while walking, driving or riding a bicycle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

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U.S. Navy Lt. Justin Van Es, the Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Detachment Misawa officer in charge, wears Fatal Vision goggles while attempting to walk a straight line during the 75th Safety Convention held at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2018. The facilitated training engaged participants in interactive exercises demonstrating the impairment effects of alcohol misuse. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

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A variety of Fatal Vision goggles sit on the table during the 75th Safety Convention held at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2018. Fatal Vision goggles are a line of training tools that simulate the effects of alcohol and drug intoxication without actually being under the influence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

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U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Candice Nelson, a Naval Air Facility Misawa administrator, participates in the 75th Safety Convention at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2018. The participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations which allowed them to experience the cognitive impairments of alcohol while maintaining a sober mind. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dorian Lewis, a 35th Fighter Wing occupational safety technician, instructs Petty Officer 1st Class Aurora Contreras, a Naval Air Facility Misawa aviation maintenance administrator, while riding a bike wearing Fatal Vision goggles during the 75th Safety Convention at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2018. This demonstration educated participants on how alcohol misuse can create dangerous situations while operating a motor vehicle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Welcome to Misawa where an abundance of new adventures awaits! Arriving in winter? Grab a snowboard and hit the slopes. Perhaps it’s summertime; hop on a jet ski and explore Lake Ogawara. But before heading out, there is an element of risk associated with most recreational activities. For the 35th Fighter Wing safety office at Misawa Air Base, Japan, equipping Team Misawa members with safety knowledge remains their top priority.

“The safety office provides training from the time you arrive here to when you depart,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Ellender, the 35th Fighter Wing occupational safety NCO in charge. “We also conduct a weekly radio segment on American Forces Network Misawa every Friday. We like to highlight upcoming events and how to be safe when you are out and about participating in fun activities.”

The safety office offers a range of classes and training from how to evaluate and control workplace hazards to off-duty and traffic safety concerns. A variety of agencies contribute to raising awareness of how a safe environment can be created around base.

“We work alongside the fire department and bioenvironmental engineering teams to identify risks and enhance safety components,” explained Ellender. “Maintaining consistent communication with our counterparts in public health and civil engineering allows us to identify safety hazards, develop solutions and protect members of Team Misawa.”

This team effort not only contributes to the well-being of base members but prevents similar mistakes from occurring in the future.

“If occupational safety didn’t exist, then Misawa could run like the Wild West,” said Staff Sgt. Dorian Lewis, a 35th Fighter Wing occupational safety technician. “Not only could more Airmen be injured, but mishaps could run rampant across the base. When a mishap occurs, it’s my job to analyze the situation and provide a final evaluation of how this accident could have been prevented.”

“We must work together to keep the ‘Wild Weasel’ off the endangered species list,” laughed Ellender. “Keeping yourself and each other accountable of what’s safe versus risky is everyone’s responsibility.”

While members of the safety office agree Airmen should be open to exploring Japan, they also believe it can be done thoughtfully and with care.

While occupational safety observes Airmen’s actions and how to create favorable outcomes, weapons safety enforces proper munitions handling. Together with flight and occupational safety, the three elements keep Misawa safe.

[Editor’s note: This is part two of a three part series highlighting the 35th FW’s safety office.]