Another set of eyes on the mission

Tech. Sgt. Curtis Priester, 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron safety alternate, monitors the loading of cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2013. Priester is participating in the 455th EAPS "Stripes on the Line" program where NCOs and Senior NCOs act as an additional set of eyes to spot any hazards during operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney)

Another set of eyes on the mission

Master Sgt. Richard Messenger (right), 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron NCOIC of ramp safety, and Airman 1st Class Mark Ludlow, 455th EAPS air transportation journeyman, discuss the reporting procedures for mishaps at the Air Terminal Operations Center on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 15, 2013. The 455th EAPS "Stripes on the Line" program has decreased the likelihood of mishaps and made it easier for Airmen to come forward and identify unsafe situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney)

Another set of eyes on the mission

Published Jan. 23, 2013
By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The Air Force's most important asset is its people.

However, many of those people are charged with the safe operation around millions of dollars' worth of aircraft and equipment.

That is why the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron started the "Stripes on the Line" program, with the goal of protecting personnel and reducing the chances of costly accidents and mishaps.

"The Stripes on The Line program was initiated by Aerial Port leadership due to a high volume of avoidable mishaps that centered around inexperience," said Master Sgt. Joseph Fernandez, 455th EAPS safety NCOIC.

Prior to the program's implementation in 2012, there had been two separate mishaps, causing more than $20,000 in damage, said Tech. Sgt. Curtis Priester, 455th EAPS safety alternate.

In response to those mishaps, noncommissioned officers and senior noncommissioned officers are now asked to take a closer look at the working methods of the Airmen under their supervision.

"They ensure that no short cuts are taken while performing tasks on the flightline," said Fernandez.

Priester added that since the program's implementation, the likelihood of a mishap has been reduced by half.

However, Airmen who see a potentially dangerous situation should not hesitate to speak up.

"We can't eliminate mishaps entirely, but we can raise awareness," Priester said. "[For junior Airmen] it's okay to come forward, it's not the end of the line."

Members of the 455th EAPS agree that the program has helped them focus on performing their jobs effectively yet safely.

"It's more eyes out there, not just working the mission but observing the mission," said Master Sgt. Richard Messenger, 455th EAPS NCOIC of ramp safety.

"It's taking a step back and making sure everyone's doing what they're supposed to be doing," he said.

Fernandez concluded that he Stripes on the Line program ultimately helps the mission by protecting the people who perform it.

"Airmen are our most important asset and it is our responsibility to provide them with a safe working environment," he said.

"Our mission is to 'Deliver Precision Logistics To The Warfighter' ... you can't go wrong if you perform the mission "Safe, By The Book, Then On Time.'"