An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

101 CDoS kicks off with message from PACAF/CC

  • Published
  • By 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Gen. Carrol H. Chandler, Pacific Air Forces Commander, signed an official memorandum May 18, stating the 101 Critical Days of Summer will begin May 22 and end Sept. 7, Labor Day. 

The campaign theme this year is, "Live to Play, Play to Live." To kick off the 101 Critical Days of Summer, the 15th Airlift Wing will host a Joint motorcycle ride and rodeo May 22. 

"Historically, we lose more Airmen to preventable mishaps during this period than any other time of year due to an increase in activities and corresponding increase in risk potential," General Chandler stated. 

In 2008, PACAF experienced one of the safest summers on record with zero fatalities and a significant reduction in every mishap category, according to the commander. Even though the Air Force at large experienced a rather safe year with the lowest fatality rate in the past 15 years, 16 Airmen's lives were lost to mishaps, and more than 30 percent of fatal Air Force private motor vehicle mishaps involved excessive alcohol use or a failure to use seat belts. 

"PACAF is a world-class organization, and we do not accept unnecessary mishaps as a cost of doing business," General Chandler said. "Our goals is zero preventable mishaps; one fatality is one too many." 

Commander focus, supervisor involvement, and personal risk management remain the key ingredients to a successful mishap prevention program, he said. 

"It is every Airman's responsibility to apply personal risk management during all on- and off-duty activities," said the PACAF four-star general. "Be a good Wingman, analyze your actions and environment, and do not accept unnecessary risk." 

Throughout the next four months, there will be an increase in Operational Risk Management and Personal Risk Management briefings, mandatory commander motorcycle counseling sessions, random spot motorcycle and seatbelt safety checks, dedicated motorcycle safety days, safety videos, pre-holiday safety briefing packages, DUI awareness/prevention briefings, safety theme of the month campaigns, and increased emphasis on the Wingman concept on/off duty. 

For more information, call the 15 AW Safety Office at 449-0749.