The NAVAIR Lakehurst Model Installation Focus Group (MIFG) won the FY2002 Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Planning Award. Captain Mark Bathrick, commanding officer, Marty Borosko, executive director and MIFG members Francis Donovan and Dorothy Peterson attended the recent Chief of Naval Operations Environmental and Natural Resources Award ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington D.C.

Vice Admiral Charles W. Moore, Jr., the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics presented the award after stating, “It is no coincidence that the bases that perform their mission with excellence are also known for their excellent environmental stewardship.”

The planning group won the award based on their development of a new 20-year vision plan for the base that ensures sustainable development in light of future missions. The plan ensures wetlands, critical habitat, and open spaces are preserved and that developable areas can support new operations. In one initiative, it promotes clustering future development to reduce impact and maintenance costs of road and utilities.

“The plan supports the station’s integrated natural resourced management plan, the goals of the NJ Pinelands comprehensive management plan and the station’s environmental protection agency performance track goals,” explained Capt. Bathrick.
The award recognized all members of the planning group including Donnamarie Grieco, Tom Szallai, Frank Hampton, Fran Huffnell, Robert Kirkbright, Frank Crowe, Judy Kapp, Beat Niederoest, Greg Heller, Kim Reymann, Tom Leahy and Carl Carew.
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Photo: MIFG members Francis Donovan and Dorothy Peterson represent team as Vice Admiral Charles W. Moore, Jr., the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics presents award plaque to Captain Mark L. Bathrick, commanding officer, as Marty Borosko, executive director looks on after the recent Chief of Naval Operations Environmental and Natural Resources Award ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington D.C.
Photo by Fel Barbante