Team Eglin ensures safety through wingman concept

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Due to budget drawdowns and staffing constraints, the 728th Air Control Squadron is reaching out to its Air Combat Command neighbor the 53rd Wing for safety support.

The 728th ACS based here at Eglin, falls under the 552nd Air Control Wing located at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

"Back in 2008, the (552nd) Air Control Wing safety office inspected the four geographically separated locations," said Senior Master Sgt. David Martin from the 552nd Air Control Wing safety office. "We are no longer able to inspect all of those locations but the inspections still have to be done. We contacted the Air Armament Center and were set up with Joe Bailey from the 53rd."

Now, when a mishap occurs, the 53rd safety office investigates and sends the paper work through the 552nd ACW. Mr. Joe Bailey is the 53rd Wing Chief of Ground Safety. The 53rd has 12 units here at Eglin and completes 42-46 inspections per year to include its many tenant units.

"The 552nd ACW contacted us and we are happy to help the 728th by bringing them into our program and keeping them safe," said Mr. Bailey.

"It is much easier to report to a unit here, especially when people go to the hospital here to be treated for a safety mishap," said Tech. Sgt. David Smith the 728th Unit Safety Representative. "That way the local safety office can follow up with the incident immediately for a quick resolution."

The 53rd Wing safety office accomplished a facility inspection Dec. 17at the 728th ACS to ensure the unit complies with safety standards.

"Overall it was a good inspection," said Mr. Bailey.