MCPON West’s Labor Day Safety 2010 Message
Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West


MCPON(SS/SW) Rick D. West U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Labor Day message to the fleet Aug. 27.

“Shipmates and Navy families, as we enjoy the last few weeks of summer, I would like to take this opportunity to remind our Sailors and their families to keep safety in mind especially during what is considered to be the unofficial last weekend of summer, Labor Day weekend.

“We all need to think about off-duty risk management while planning our Labor Day weekend activities, and not try to cram in too many activities into one weekend which could lead to injury or fatality.

“While we have seen success in summer risk management, the loss of even one trained and ready Sailor is unacceptable, and last Labor Day weekend we lost two. As of Aug. 6, eight Sailors have died this summer during off-duty hours: four in four-wheel motor vehicle mishaps, two on motorcycles and two during recreation mishaps. Based on an average of the last five years, nearly twice as many Sailors are killed on motorcycles during Labor Day weekend than any other weekend. Remember, proper personal protective equipment is a requirement year round, on or off base. Keep in mind that if you are going to play, play it safe.

“Summer sports cause numerous minor injuries every year and 12 Sailors were injured participating in sporting activities last year.

“I issued a challenge to the fleet during Fourth of July weekend and that was to keep up the success rate of zero fatalities from Memorial Day, and I’m giving you the same challenge for this Labor Day weekend.

“Use caution when driving, participating in water activities, and if drinking, have a plan. Stay safe and enjoy your muchdeserved time off with your family and friends, and as always, keep in mind our Sailors who are deployed and can’t be with their loved ones.

“Enjoy your Labor Day weekend and HOOYAH!”

The MCPON is the senior enlisted person in the Navy. The MCPON serves as the senior enlisted leader of the Navy, and as an advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations and to the Chief of Naval Personnel in matters dealing with enlisted personnel and their families.

The MCPON is also an advisor to the many boards dealing with enlisted personnel issues; is the enlisted representative of the Department of the Navy at special events; may be called upon to testify on enlisted personnel issues before Congress; and, maintains a liaison with enlisted spouse organizations.

For more news, information and Podcasts from the MCPON, visit the website http://www.navy.mil/mcpon/index.asp.

MCPON sends Labor Day message 2011
From MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Labor Day message to the Fleet Aug. 17:

“Shipmates and Navy families, The symbolic end to summer is just around the corner ... Labor Day weekend.

Have you started making plans yet? Do your plans involve drinking and driving or driving long distances while fatigued? Do they involve water sports after a long day of drinking alcohol? How about driving a motorcycle at excessive speeds just to feel a rush?

“Of course Sailors don’t plan to do these things, but we continue to lose shipmates because of the bad choices they make. So far, we have lost 15 Sailors this summer: six in four-wheel motor vehicle mishaps, six on motorcycles and three during recreation mishaps. Last year we lost a total of 14 Sailors from Memorial Day to Labor Day and we have unfortunately exceeded that total with a few weeks left before Labor Day. The loss of one trained and ready Sailor is unacceptable, and in most cases preventable.

“I encourage all of you to practice off-duty risk management while planning your activities, and avoid cramming too many activities into a short period of time. Use caution when driving and think SAFE: no Speeding; no Alcohol before driving; no Fatigue (get plenty of rest) and no Ejections (wear your seatbelts). Also use caution when participating in water activities, and if drinking, always have a plan to get home.

“Stay safe and let’s close out summer and Labor Day weekend with zero fatalities or injuries. Enjoy your much-deserved time off with your family and friends, and as always, keep in mind our Sailors who are deployed and can’t be with their loved ones.

“Enjoy your Labor Day weekend and HOOYAH!

“Very Respectfully,
MCPON”