November 17, 2025

Two Decades of Safety Innovation: Ed Rowe’s Continuing Legacy

By: People of Saltchuk
in Alaska, People of Saltchuk, Safety
Edward Rowe, NAMS, Anchorage

Northern Air Maintenance Services’ Ed Rowe earns 2025 Saltchuk Honorable Mention, building on his established safety leadership 

Ed Rowe’s commitment to safety spans more than two decades at Saltchuk Aviation companies, and his 2025 Honorable Mention for replacing a ground operations forklift with a safer portable loading dock represents the latest chapter in a career defined by continuous improvement. 

The PLD eliminated load distribution issues, provided more controlled movement in confined spaces with its walk-behind design, and created a stabilized platform that minimized shifting of supplies. The solution also eliminated forklift-sharing with the Stockroom department, preventing operational conflicts. 

“After several weeks of research, he decided on a portable loading dock (PLD) that allows the team to safely load catering trolleys and supplies, minimizing the load distribution issues the forklift had,” notes Regina Amspacker, Director of Safety and Security at Northern Air Maintenance Services. 

Fun Fact

Ed was one of the first original ramp employees at NAMS in 2004, helping launch the company.

Building on Previous Recognition

Rowe’s 2025 honor builds on his previous nomination in 2020, when he was recognized for going “out of his way to share ideas that simplify new or existing procedures.” His philosophy remains consistent: “The simplification of a process establishes less room for a safety hazard and error. With each step in a process, there’s the potential for a new hazard. Eliminating unnecessary steps eliminates hazards.” 

This approach has guided his 23-year tenure with Saltchuk Aviation companies, beginning when he joined Northern Air Cargo in 2001 as a Warehouse Agent after military service in telecommunications. 

Methodical Innovation

Rowe’s 2025 recognition demonstrates his evolved approach to safety improvements. Rather than simply identifying problems, he now conducts comprehensive risk assessments before implementing solutions. As Amspacker notes, “Prior to implementation, Ed had to complete a Safety Risk Assessment (SRA). This would be the time to enter the predictive state of safety, actually predicating potential hazards where people and property can be hurt or damaged.” 

His methodology included conducting both a Safety Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis before introducing the portable loading dock. The results validated his approach: “By using the PDL creates a stabilized platform for the catering trolleys and supplies, this minimizes the side to side shifting we had with the buckboard especially when raised to the back of the catering truck.” 

Fun Fact

Ed met his wife Laticia while stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. The pair worked for NAMS sister company, Northern Air Cargo, before both coming to NAMS, making them a true Saltchuk Aviation power couple.

Safety Leadership Through Experience

Rowe’s dedication stems from deep personal conviction: “The military and working with NAMS and other airlines is what has made me more safety conscious and committed to safety. Commitment makes safety practices meaningful. I believe that it inspires others to contribute to safer work.“ 

His approach to safety communication reflects hard-won wisdom: “Feedback and speaking up make a difference and can save a life. If you have a feeling that something is unsafe, it probably is. Never let the fear of repercussions stop you from speaking up.” 

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