Maintainers and Operators join forces for the 305th AMW 2022 Flight Safety Symposium Published Dec. 15, 2022 By Daniel Barney Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ -- For the first time, aircraft maintenance and flight operations personnel of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst came together for safety training at the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s 2022 Flight Safety Symposium. The first annual two-day event taught active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Airmen from across the installation the standards and procedures of flight safety, as well as current and emerging challenges, while utilizing cross-communication techniques to prevent future safety incidents. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua Crockett, 305th AMW Chief of Safety and his team hosted the Flight Safety Symposium on behalf of the 305th Air Mobility Wing Commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Elizabeth Hanson. Crockett says the Commander’s intent was to foster safety cohesion across multiple installation wings and agencies, all of which share the installation and surrounding airspace together. “The meeting is all about promoting a safety culture, specifically flight safety, but in all aspects of our day-to-day jobs as well,” said Crockett. “For this Symposium, we were looking to really branch out beyond the Wing’s “borders” and the team did just that. The four Safety Offices all collaborated to bring together both maintenance and operations personnel from the 305th AMW, 514th AMW, 108th Wing, and 621st Contingency Response Wing so we could advance the safety culture of the joint base together.” The symposium covered several topics, explaining proper safety guidelines to maintain a safe environment on the flightline and in the dense airspace of the Northeast. U.S. Air Force Capt. Luke Wilkinson, 305th AMW flight safety officer, provided specific directions to protect flight operations during this time of year. “We covered cold weather safety tips with a focus spanning operations, operations support, and maintenance from across the JB MDL Air Force enterprise,” said Wilkinson. “Other topics included aircraft de-ice and anti-ice procedures, cold weather illnesses, integration between wings and foreign mission partners, the U.S. Air Force Airman Safety Action Program, and an in-depth look at a past aircraft mishap that emphasized the criticality of working together as one team.” While the symposium proved beneficial for those attending, U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Shane Sawyer, 305th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, was grateful for the opportunity to teach and promote a safe work culture for JB MDL Airmen. “It was impactful for me to provide Airmen with the basic foundations and fundamentals on flight safety and making sure that they are well-informed, and fully prepared to take on such challenges they may face on the airfield, while working together through the use of communication,” said Sawyer. “I was so glad that the symposium showcased the importance of safety and communication and how they play vital roles as we continue to maintain normal and safe flight operations. This is a step in the right direction for the Air Force.” The symposium was a shining example of the strong interoperability and relationships between mission partners across the installation.