PACAF earns SECAF Safety Award Published March 2, 2015 By Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The 2014 Air Force safety awards were announced Feb. 25, naming Pacific Air Forces the recipient of the Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award, the highest safety award in the Air Force."The Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award recognizes the concerted efforts and discipline of the more than 46,000 Airmen in PACAF as the best in the Air Force." said Col. James Shigekane, the PACAF director of safety. "I'm extremely impressed with the cooperation PACAF Airmen have displayed while completing their mission professionally and efficiently, all while making safety a top priority."Two SECAF Safety Award awards are presented annually, one for major commands and one for forward operating agencies and direct-reporting units."It is evident that an unrelenting safety culture, exercised daily by every Airman in PACAF, provides the foundation for success in all five PACAF Lines of Operation," Shigekane said.PACAF's other accolade included Aero Club Safety Certificates for the Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aero Club."It's an honor to recognize the Airmen and units that make the Air Force safety program one of the best," said Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Kurt F. Neubauer. "The keystone of their success is sustained leadership involvement and every Airman's commitment to be ready and able to fly, fight and win."