McChord reduces mishaps during ‘critical days’ Published Sept. 14, 2007 By Tyler Hemstreet Staff writer MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- For the second consecutive year, McChord reduced the number of mishaps that occurred during the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign, which ended Sept. 5. McChord finished this year's campaign with zero fatalities and a 38 percent reduction in the total number of mishaps compared to 2006. The trend was also a 48 percent reduction in mishaps from 2005, said Lt. Col. Stephen Mortensen, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of safety. "We're seeing a very positive trend," Colonel Mortensen said. "Ultimately this reduction is a result of Team McChord members making responsible choices, maintaining good situational awareness and minimizing risk when able both on and off duty." There were 86 total incidents at McChord during this year's campaign, compared to 138 last year. Eighteen of those incidents were classified as Class C. A Class C incident is something that causes an Airman to be placed on quarters or convalescent leave. Another possible explanation for the low numbers is the fact that leadership is involved in keeping safety at the forefront and Airman taking note of the campaign, said Mr. Ken Heath, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of ground safety. "The supervisors and commanders that keep the lines of communication open with their Airmen seemed to have a good effect this year," Mr. Heath said. There were 19 fatalities Air Force-wide during the campaign, compared with 17 in 2006 and 29 in 2005.