From the Deckplates

A sailor cleans the ship’s bell on board the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114). Engagement can come in many forms, including pride in a sailor’s assigned space.

Risk Mitigation: It’s the Little Things

Serving in the Navy comes with great rewards but also can entail sacrifice.

Airman Trevor D. McManus, U.S. Navy

December 2023

A sailor stands watch on the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) in November 2022. Ask any sailor who has been underway, and it will not be hard to find something all deployed ships are short of: Sleep.

Mandate Uninterrupted Rest Hours for a Safer Navy

Ask any sailor who has been underway, and it will not be hard to find something all deployed ships are short of: Sleep.

Petty Officer Second Class Christopher Woolsey, U.S. Navy

November 2023

A briefing on board the USCGC Bear (WMEC-901). Regular check-ins and evaluations can identify areas for improvement and ensure service members are always striving to be the best versions of themselves.

Intentional and Invested: Good Leadership and Communication Prevent Mishaps

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—Third Prize, Sponsored by USAA. The biggest lesson to take away from mishaps is the need for stronger communication and more intentional actions.

Petty Officer Third Class Alexandra Wirth, U.S. Coast Guard

October 2023

The safety officer on board the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) discusses safety with Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Navy needs to implement changes to safeguard its most important assets—sailors and Marines.

A Safety Assessment from the Deckplates

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—Second Prize, Sponsored by USAA. Each department should designate a safety sailor.

Seaman Julio C. Arredondo, U.S. Navy

September 2023

Tugboats assist the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)

Sleep and Safety: The Human Factors in Maritime Readiness

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—First Prize. Sponsored by USAA. The Navy needs a universal policy directing all communities to implement effective sleep management.

Petty Officer First Class Jonathon Hall, U.S. Navy

August 2023

The Marine Corps Needs Passionate Educators and Faculty Advisors

To produce the best and brightest future Marines, the curriculum must be updated and the requirements to become a faculty advisor made more demanding.

Staff Sergeant Lauren J. Fiero, U.S. Marine Corps

July 2023