R 131401Z SEP 12

ALCOAST 405/12
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ: CAPTAIN MARION GUS SHRODE AVIATION SAFETY AWARD
1.  I am pleased to announce LT Kelly Deutermann and LT Terrance
Herdliska of the Air Station Humboldt Bay Safety Department as the
2012 Captain Marion Gus Shrode Aviation Safety Award recipients.
Captain Shrode was a Coast Guard Aviation pioneer who developed Coast
Guard aviation standardization programs, including publication of the
Coast Guards first aircraft standardization manual.  Captain Shrode
was instrumental in creating the Coast Guards Aviation Training
Center in 1966, served as the Aviation Safety Chief and completed
seven years of continuous aviation command with distinction.  This
annual award is sponsored by the Coast Guard Aviation Association
(CGAA), also known as the Ancient Order of the Pterodactyls, to
recognize superior performance and outstanding contributions to
aviation safety in the Coast Guard aviation fleet.
2.  During the period of 1 June 2011 to 31 May 2012, the Air Station
Humboldt Bay safety department invested tremendous effort to
re-invigorate and expand the units safety posture.  Efforts included
a new focus upon the units existing Operational Risk Management (ORM)
program and instituted innovative new checks and balances to
complement the units safety program.  LT Deutermann and LT Herdliska
promoted a safety culture combining transparency with accountability,
crucial elements to program success.  The safety department augmented
standard quantitative ORM criteria with subjective criteria based on
crew discussion, including junior aircrew input.  Setting aside a
dedicated sterile space for pre-flight ORM discussions, the command
instituted a formal procedure validating crewmembers input for
inclusion in the ORM process.  The team also adopted high-visibility
safety promotion efforts based on crew input from initial check-in to
a formal and comprehensive safety assessment during a members
check-out.  They established a frequent rotation of impressive guest
speakers on a regular basis throughout the year and promoted safety
in advance of long holidays and prior to transfer season, efforts
that promoted safe operations and flight discipline throughout the
entire year.  The safety department distinguished itself during
numerous complex mishap investigations, demonstrating expertise and
analytical intuition in well-written messages to the aviation
community.  These achievements reflect highly upon the air station
command and the safety profession, reinforcing a climate of
professionalism, aviation expertise and proficiency.
3.  In addition to recognition at the Annual CGAA banquet, these
members of Air Station Humboldt Bays safety department will have
their names placed on the Captain Marion Gus Shrode award plaque in
the Aviator Hall of Honor in Erickson Hall at the Coast Guard
Aviation Training Center, Mobile, Alabama.
4.  The Aviation Safety Program also recognizes all of the
outstanding nominees:
   A. Aviation Training Center Mobile:  CDR Torres.
   B. Air Station Savannah:  LT Howard.
   C. Air Station Elizabeth City:  LT Davis, LT Huntley and LT
Farrell.
   D. Air Station Clearwater: LT Blain, LT Jones, LT Langston and
MST1
Dall.
   E. Air Station Sacramento: LCDR Botnen, LT Hinders, AMT1 Perez,
AMT1 Fettermann, AMT2 Kraft.
   F. Sector Columbia River: LT Thornton.
   G. Sector Corpus Christi: LT Freels, LT Creech, LT Wilson, Ms.
Fisher.
5.  RADM Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety and Work-Life Sends.
6.  Internet Release Authorized.