FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 11, 2021
Release #2126 Point of Contact—Jeffrey Prater (401) 832-2039
NUWC Division Newport’s Safety Branch wins 2020 CNO Award for Safety Ashore
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport Safety Branch has won the fiscal year 2020 Chief of Naval Operations Award for Safety Ashore in the large, non-industrial category. These awards recognize outstanding support and achievement in safety and occupational health.
The Safety Branch was recognized for the overall quality of the many innovative programs they manage, including compliance to safety and health standards and hands-on mishap prevention efforts.
In 2020, Safety Branch staff increased hazard abatement efforts and implemented practices to help employees achieve the highest level of compliance and maintain a healthy, safe work environment. Through a proactive, comprehensive safety program, Division Newport holds an outstanding record of achievement, due in great part to the diligence taken by the Safety Branch.
According to Rear Adm. Fredrick Luchtman, commander, Naval Safety Center, the winning commands excelled in their implementation of the safety management system, made achievements in high velocity learning and demonstrated strong safety leadership. He said such commands were the most innovative and enthusiastic in marketing safety and promoting a superior level of safety culture and are commended for the significant contributions made toward reducing mishaps, increasing mission readiness and preserving our most precious asset – Sailors and civilians.
The Safety Branch was recognized during a livestream event with Commanding Officer Capt. Chad Hennings and Technical Director Ron Vien on April 21.
NUWC Division Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare.
NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher's Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.
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