On Aug. 18, Commodore Chris Field presented the 2004 CNO Safety ‘S’ Award to the Cougars of VAQ-139 for their embodiment of aviation and personal safety.

AE1(AW) Robert Price and AMEAN William Hoye represented the Cougars for their excellent individual contribution to the squadron’s operational safety.

Field said as he spoke to the squadron, “Safety is one of the hardest things to do well.”

The Cougars have earned seven CNO Safety ‘S’ awards since the squadron’s inception in 1983. In the last 11 years, the Cougars have been awarded the Safety ‘S’ five times, which suggests they have been doing it right for quite awhile.

The Safety ‘S’ award is presented to the squadron with the most proactive approach to safety. Throughout the year, safety reports are sent to national publications about what is being done to promote safety for the squadron and for the community. Not only on duty, but off duty activities contribute to the over all safety of the squadron and its people. VAQ-139’s concept that “every member is a safety officer” helped them achieve this coveted award.

During the same presentation, Price was awarded “Safety Pro of the Week” for his actions on Feb. 23.  In reaction to a caution light, he called for an engine shutdown and discovered a shorted wire in one of the engine bays. Because he acted quickly, a possible loss of aircraft, aircrew or both was avoided. Even though he felt he was only doing his duty, he showed a willingness to take the little steps necessary to ensure the safety of aircrew and aircraft.

Hoye was also awarded the “Safety Pro of the Week.” During a routine inspection of the ejection seats, he discovered a missing top latch from the pilot’s seat.  If he had not discovered and reported this to his night check supervisor and Maintenance Control, the pilot, along with the other three crewmembers, could have been inadvertently ejected from the aircraft during dynamic flight. His actions most likely saved an aircraft and the four aircrew.