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Global Strike Command pushes safety into high gear

  • Published
  • By Crystal Jordan
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The vice commander of Air Force Global Strike Command geared up with nearly 50 others here recently for a motorcycle safety ride.

Rumbling through a 40-mile out-and-back route, the ride took in some Barksdale area roads on a bright, sunny day, reminding Airmen to have a plan, wear the right gear for the conditions and don protective equipment every ride.

Brig. Gen. Everett Thomas took a moment to talk about the command's Airmen, who he called the Air Force's "most valuable asset."

"One loss to preventable accidents is one too many," the general said.

"The ride gave the Airmen in this command the opportunity to build camaraderie among riders and promote safe riding habits in a fun and relaxing environment," said Staff Sgt. Jermain Smith, the noncommissioned officer in charge of chapel resources at 2d Bomb Wing who attended and participated in the ride.

Safety is a culture, said Tech. Sgt. Mary Circe, the noncommissioned officer in charge of ground safety at Air Force Global Strike Command. "With everything we do, there is inherent risk, and we need to ensure our Airmen are getting the message."

Sergeant Circe has been teaching Airmen about motorcycle safety since 2002.

"There is no number-one, bottom-line protective measure that will keep you safe on a motorcycle, but a certain combination of safety measures--including wingmen, family, training, awareness briefings, and protective gear--will."

"We have lost far too many Airmen," Sergeant Circe said. "I'm here to reach them and to try to save lives."

A Military Sport Bike Riders' course is now required by Global Strike Command Safety Office for all motorcycle riders. Additionally, an in-depth briefing was given at the June 15 commander's call on how to ride safely this summer.

Motorcycle fatalities are one of the leading causes of death within the United States Air Force, according to officials. Since 2005, the Air Force has lost 47 Airmen in motorcycle mishaps. The service's motorcycle fatalities are up more than 150 percent this year compared to 2010.

For more information on Air Force Global Strike Command, visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/airforceglobalstrikecommand.