The Naval Air Systems Command’s Environmental Programs Department (AIR 1.6) earned a fiscal 2012 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) award April 10 for developing a software tool that helps users track and comply with environmental requirements. Members of the Environmental Programs Department include, from left, Herman Varmall, director of the Environmental Programs Department; Robert N. Hicks Jr., Programmatic Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Evaluation program manager; Paige Lehr, environmental policy program manager; and Nicholas Paraskevas, National Environmental Policy Act program manager. (U.S. Navy photo)
NAVAIR’s Environmental Programs Department wins SECNAV award
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Building on its recent Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) recognition, the Environmental Programs Department, known as AIR 1.6, earned a fiscal 2012 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) award April 10 for developing a software tool that helps users track and comply with environmental requirements.
The team, aligned under Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Program Management organization (AIR 1.0), captured the Environmental Excellence in Weapon System Acquisition, Small Program, Individual or Team award category for developing the Programmatic Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Evaluation Document Authoring Tool, known as PESHE DAT.
Launched in 2007, the web-based tool standardizes NAVAIR’s Environmental Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) risk-assessment process and development of PESHE documents. Modules help acquisition managers and leaders ensure environmental requirements are properly assessed and managed at milestone events. Additionally, hazardous materials and waste are tracked and managed as ESOH risks as well as the development of a sound National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) strategy.
“Environmental stewardship is a key component of NAVAIR’s daily operations,” said Vice Adm. David Dunaway, who leads the command. “Tools such as PESHE DAT not only support the program manager’s understanding and management of environmental risks, but also minimize the impact on fleet testing and training operations. PESHE DAT shows true innovation, customer focus and a commitment to environmental life cycle management.”
The SECNAV Environmental Awards recognize Navy and Marine Corps ships, installations and people for outstanding performance in promoting environmental stewardship. All eligible SECNAV winners will advance to the 2012 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards competition.
In a message congratulating the winners, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said, “Fiscal 2012 was a remarkable year for the Department of the Navy's efforts to manage, protect and restore our natural and cultural resources. The tremendous successes showcased by all nominees are evidence of our continuing pursuit of environmental excellence.”