MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - Sailors stationed and deployed at Misawa Air Base, Japan attended Naval Air Facility (NAF), Misawa's 22nd Annual Safety Fair May 25.
The annual safety fairs focus on Recreation and Off-Duty Safety (RODS), Traffic Safety, and the human factors that can be controlled to prevent mishaps.
The safety fair included 18 booths that shared safety information concerning ladders, firearms, camping, water activities, driving and motorcycling to name a few.
NAF Misawa's Safety Department organized the event with the help of volunteers from the various Navy and Air Force commands on Misawa Air Base.
"On behalf of the NAF Misawa Safety Department I would like to thank everyone for their hard work to include all the participants. I would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Takuji Wakamatsu and Chief Petty Officer Martinez-Avilla for their time and effort in making this safety fair a success," said John Mahone, NAF Misawa's Safety Program Director
The Honda Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer, which is similar to a motorcycling video game, was a very popular exhibit. Sailors and civilians enjoyed taking turns testing their motorcycle riding skills as Navy Motorcycle Rider Coaches shared safety tips and techniques.
NAF Misawa's Public Works Department's (PWD) Transportation Division provided Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS) which is designed to reinforce common-sense driving skills, such as staying alert, not consuming alcohol or other drugs, getting adequate sleep, wearing seatbelts and driving the proper speeds. Automobile accident stories involving Navy personnel were shared with guests in an effort to let people know the dangers involved when taking unnecessary risks. The PWD team also gave hands-on vehicle inspection training.
Electronics Technician 3rd Class Hao Liehn, assigned to Naval Air Facility Misawa, from Baldwin Park, Calif., reminded visitors about the dangers of aircraft engine noise on Misawa Air Base that regularly reach levels of 125 decibels which is just 15 decibels below the physical pain threshold.
"Children's hearing is very sensitive and hearing protection is recommended for children who play outside on base. Any noise that is louder than a vacuum cleaner can cause permanent hearing loss," said Liehn.
The 35th Fighter Wing Safety Team allowed visitors to experience different levels of intoxication by wearing drunk goggles. The goggles distort the wearer's vision to match the same effects brought on by certain blood alcohol content levels. Most visitors failed to walk within marked paths while wearing the goggles.
Visitors were given Misawa Air Base's fire department, security forces, and medical care phone numbers to keep on hand in case of emergency.
Visitors were also trained on how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
NAF Misawa's Safety Department conducts safety inspections at the Navy commands on Misawa Air Base and shares important safety information with them throughout the year.