NAVSAFECOM Commits to Driving Progress: ‘Ensuring Our Fleet Stays in Play’

Vice Adm. John Gumbleton, Deputy Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, led a significant ceremony where Mr. Troy Mueller, Director of the Nuclear Technology Division at Naval Reactors, delivered a keynote address.

Since 1990, naval nuclear officer Engdahl has dedicated his career to enhancing operational safety. During the ceremony, he shared heartfelt gratitude for the NAVSAFECOM staff, emphasizing personalized anecdotes and poignant quotes.

“My parting quote for the command is that a society [or a Navy] grows great when old men plant trees where they will never rest in the shade,” Engdahl said. “We are the truth tellers; we are all honest brokers and advocates for combat readiness. I promised I would leave Naval Safety Command better than I found it, and I hope I have done that.”

Engdahl took command of NAVSAFECOM in July 2022, where he played a crucial role in its ongoing transition, handling new responsibilities and expanded authority. Mr. Mueller praised Engdahl for his unwavering leadership, stressing the importance of safety professionals.

“The countless individuals who return home each day owe their well-being to the unwavering dedication of these professionals,” Mueller remarked. “These unscathed lives cannot be found in statistics because they were averted casualties. They are real people living their lives with their families today because nothing happened—this is their gift back to you, the safety professional.”

Stepping into the role, Martin is an experienced F/A-18 Hornet pilot with a prestigious command history, including leading Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), and Carrier Strike Group One (CSG) 1.

Martin’s ashore assignments are equally notable. They include roles as a strike fighter instructor pilot, demonstration pilot with the Blue Angels, and various significant positions within the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N3/N5), and U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Recently, he served as Director of Maritime Operations, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“Self-inflicted wounds that pull the player off the field are just that: self-inflicted. These incidents restrict our ability to remain forward, while deployed,” Martin stated. “My commitment is to the Navy and Marine Corps team. I will do my very best to better prepare the fleet to push forward and ‘play that away game’ so they can succeed operationally when it matters most.”

The NAVSAFECOM stands as the leading authority for non-nuclear safety standards across the naval enterprise. The command is dedicated to preserving warfighting capability, combat lethality, and readiness by working with its stakeholders to identify, mitigate or eliminate hazards to reduce unnecessary risk to personnel and resources.