NORFOLK (NNS) – Cmdr. Charles Wilhite assumed the helm of the Naval Safety and Environmental Training Center (NAVSAFENVTRACEN) during a change of command ceremony here July 30, relieving Cmdr. Cary Isaacson. Guest speaker Rear Adm. F.R. Luchtman, Commander, Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN), lauded Isaacson on his accomplishments as NAVSAFENVTRACEN’s commanding officer.
“Cmdr. Isaacson has done a tremendous job in ensuring every Sailor and Marine was superbly trained mentally, physically fit and prepared to meet the heavy demands of the training center course schedule,” said Luchtman. “He and his team have contributed vastly to an improved safety culture and safety environment within our Navy and Marine Corps. When you look at the accomplishments over the last few years, it becomes readily apparent.”
Isaacson credited his staff for their efforts ensuring the fleet’s training needs were being met despite the challenges faced.
“This staff’s dedicated efforts have allowed the fleet to continually receive the occupational health, industrial hygiene and environmental training during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Isaacson. “The staff hosted the 29th Annual Joint Safety and Environmental Professional Development Symposium in an online platform as they have in years’ past, but this particular conference far exceeded all previous attendance records. With the pandemic, there was an inability for personnel to attend resident training and in-person conferences, making the symposium more important than ever.”