TOOELE ARMY DEPOT, Utah--Brig. Gen. (P) Gustave F. Perna, commander of the Joint Munitions Command, visited here April 20, on the last leg of a weeklong whirlwind tour of JMC's government-owned, government-operated installations.
First, Perna met with senior leaders from TEAD and from Hawthorne Army Depot, Hawthorne, Nev., which is a government-owned, contractor-operated installation, subordinate to TEAD. Leaders briefed Perna on current operations.
And he had some advice for the leaders.
In addressing safety, Perna stressed that the depots' goal should be zero workplace accidents.
"Get out in front of accidents, always be looking at the next step" to avoid an accident, Perna said. "Let employees know that JMC cares about their safety."
"Include employees in talking and acting on safety issues," Perna said. "Inform employees how their actions impact JMC financially and economically. Employees need to know the cost of safety, if there is an accident."
"In regards to worldwide ammunition distribution, TEAD and HWAD are key installations for the Pacific," Perna said. "Linking yourself to the South Pacific is essential. I applaud the depots' efforts."
In addition, Perna encouraged more communication between JMC's GO-GOs and GO-COs. He urged employees to communicate better and in person in order to see faces and body language.
"Mitigate our tyranny of distance," Perna said.
Also, Perna referred to the upcoming Operation Golden Cargo, a joint military exercise in which Reserve and National Guard service members conduct live ammunition transportation operations across the U.S. Both TEAD and HWAD will participate in the 21st annual exercise of Golden Cargo in July.
"Golden Cargo is a great exercise at many levels," Perna said. "Commanders, I expect you to be appropriately involved. Be attuned to the soldiers-what they are doing and to their safety. We have a great record."
After the briefing, Perna took a tour of several facilities at TEAD. He viewed repair and refurbishment of missiles in a unique, joint venture with the U.S. Navy. Perna also observed TEAD's Ammunition Operations Center where he thanked employees Clara Smith and Steve Patocka for their contributions and gave each his commander's coin in appreciation.
In his final remarks, Perna had some parting advice.
"Our installations need to coordinate with JMC headquarters as one enterprise," said Perna. "I support what TEAD is doing and its plan ahead. Keep focused and communicate all with your workforce."
Tooele Army Depot and Hawthorne Army Depot are installations of the Joint Munitions Command which operates a nationwide network of facilities where conventional ammunition is produced and stored.
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