Air Force takes three DOD environmental awards

  • Published
  • By Shannon Carabajal
  • AFIMSC Public Affairs
The Air Force took home three top honors in the 2018 Secretary of Defense environmental awards program.

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. The winners' achievements reflect the department's commitment to protect national security by supporting U.S. military forces through dynamic environmental stewardship that increases military readiness and enhances efficiencies,” said Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, in an announcement April 16, 2018.

The Defense Department selected the following Air Force winners:

Environmental Quality, Team/Individual: Frederick Javier, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida. Javier provided outstanding leadership by training installation staff on environmental management and engaging with the local community to promote DoD mission and science education.

Environmental Excellence in Weapon System Acquisition, Large Program: Combat Rescue Helicopter Program Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Team, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The team implemented programs to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazardous materials like hexavalent chromium.

Environmental Restoration, Installation: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The installation completed a ten year performance-based restoration initiative resulting in response complete or site closure for 44 environmental restoration sites ahead of schedule, and maintained accelerated or on-time closure for 55 additional sites.

The awards, established in 1962, honor individuals, teams, and installations for their outstanding achievements and innovative environmental practices, according to the award program website. They promote the use of secure and renewable energy sources; development and implementation of innovative technologies that eliminate waste; reclamation of key water resources; and protection of our nation’s irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage.

For more information, visit https://www.denix.osd.mil/awards/2018secdef/.