I was not fully aware of the potential hazards that were in my pockets as I briskly walked to the flight line. The full magnitude of my decision to carry unauthorized items onto the line escaped me because the task was simple: Go to the flight line in time for FOD walkdown. At least that’s all I thought about the situation at the time.

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This daily ritual is an all-hands evolution, conducted every morning before the flight schedule begins and at every shift change in my command. Every squadron in every CAG and every command that flies aircraft does a FOD walkdown at least once a day. When hard objects are found, they are recorded and placed in a bag. These items are listed in a log with a location where the loose gear was found. This FOD list is then routed up the chain of command in hopes of finding where it came from and to keep it from happening again.

That day, I was carrying a cellphone, BIC lighter, and three coins. None of them seemed terribly bad or dangerous at the time, but I now realize these items represented potential hazards that could destroy engines, aircraft, aviators, or shipmates. Not one item I was carrying was more or less important than the other, but none of them belonged on the flight line.

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All commands use tool control and FOD programs to control the items that can cause mishaps, injuries or deaths. An active inventory on all items used on the flight deck or flight line is essential, including tools and consumables. Any unaccounted object that can damage an engine or aircraft that is found on the flight deck, hangar or flight line is commonly referred to as foreign object damage (or debris) and can consist of many everyday items that Sailors or Marines carry in their pockets.

All hands are responsible for the FOD program, and increased awareness is crucial to the integrity of the aircraft. A simple item such as a coin can and has caused the loss of aircraft and aviators. The mindset that loose personal gear isn’t a big deal is unsatisfactory, and I learned the hard way.

Everyone must make a conscious decision to leave personal items in the work center before proceeding to FOD walkdown. Pockets should be empty anytime people go out on the line. If not, it could lead to a devastating accident. Preventing FOD and mishaps is part of the operational risk-management process, and program requirements and steps for an effective program are found in COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2, Volume 5, Chapter 12, as well as wing and local command instructions, when available.