A fixture in Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s traffic safety program is set to move on Oct. 1, leaving behind him a wake of
success and a command that places the safety of its Sailors at the top of its priorities.
Chief Sonar Technician (SW) Larry Post, command training officer at Naval Ocean Processing Facility (NOPF) Whidbey Island,
has coordinated a top-down approach to traffic safety, from the commanding officer to the junior enlisted.
“NOPF has become an atmosphere with safety in mind, and this is all because of Chief Post,” said Kenneth Davies, NAS
Whidbey Island Safety Department.
There are more than 350 Sailors stationed at NOPF, and each Sailor who checks aboard must pass the American Automobile
Association (AAA) driver improvement course during initial command indoctrination.
“The command at NOPF is very supportive, which helps me educate Sailors on the importance of safety, whether it is traffic
safety, motorcycle safety or practicing safe habits, in general,” said Post, who is transferring to San Diego for training.
“The proof is in the pudding: you don’t have a lot of mishaps or accidents as with Sailors who don’t attend the course.
Davies said that NOPF takes a hands-on approach when it comes to traffic safety, and that they have been very successful.
“Most commands average 50 percent completion on the AAA course, where NOPF is at 90-95 percent,” he said.
“This is quite impressive, especially when you think of all the commands out there.”
Davies went on to say that this success can be attributed to Post’s aggressive and thorough training process.
“Chief Post has set the bar high for safety standards for NOPF, and all tenant commands should take notice, and follow the
groundwork he has laid,” said Davies. “NOPF has gone more than three years without a traffic-related mishap; that is impressive.