By LAURA MCDANIEL
NAS Patuxent River Environmental Public Affairs

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD—In the last month, the NAS Patuxent River Environmental Department captured three new awards to add to its list of accolades. A 2002 Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Planning Team Award, a 2002 CNO Cultural Resources Management Award for installations, and an honorable mention for the Environmental Stewardship Flagship Navy Community Service Award. Last year, Pax placed first in that category. The Cultural Resources Installation Team next competes at the Secretary of the Navy level. The award at the CNO level is the highest level for a Navy Operational Environmental Planning Team.

“We are very proud of the professionals in the Environmental Department managing our programs in environmental planning, cultural resources and installation restoration,” said Capt. Charles C. Miller, public works officer. “Their efforts not only protect and preserve the environment but also help the station accomplish the mission. Congratulations to everyone on our environmental team.”

This is the first year that the OEP Team has won an award such as this. The OEP Team award focused on this interdisciplinary group and its influence on the day-to-day operations of station tenants and activities.

“This isn’t just some plan that sits out there,” said Don Shaver, OEP team lead. “We’ve actually taken the Environmental Impact Statement and turned it into a day-to-day business process where we examine real RDT&E projects for their environmental issues. We’re excited that our team has been recognized. We think we have a streamlined and focused approach ... and certainly appreciate the recognition.”

The station’s Cultural Resources Team is accustomed to winning awards. This year’s awards package focused on the Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan and the successful partnerships between the station and the community.

“It doesn’t matter to me how many times we win, it’s always a thrill,” said Doug Lister, cultural resources specialist. “Receiving recognition that your program is one of the more exceptional ones is always a great thing.”

“This award is truly a team award,” said Kyle Rambo, head of the Conservation Division, “the result of efforts by team members in the NAS Environmental Department, the NAS Public Works Department, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, the Maryland Historical Trust, the Southern Maryland Resource Conservation & Development Board, and many others. That kind of teamwork always produces positive results.”

Dawn Muir, architectural historian for Pax River, teams with Lister to accomplish a variety of cultural projects. Muir is enthusiastic about the potential outcome from receiving another award.

“I think the biggest thing that this award is going to do is publicize our program a little more,” Muir said. “I know that Public Works and Environmental have a good understanding of what we do, but I’m not sure that extends around the base. I see this as an opportunity to get our program out there where people can see it and enjoy it, where we can expand to other areas.”

The deputy chief of naval operations for fleet readiness and logistics, Vice Adm. Charles W. Moore Jr., annually salutes commands with outstanding volunteer programs with awards such as the Navy Environmental Stewardship awards.

“Please pass on my personal thanks to the dedicated and caring sailors, civilians and their families who volunteered their time and effort to protect and preserve our environment,” Moore said. “Bravo Zulu to each and every one of you.”

The awards will be presented at a ceremony May 6 at the United States Naval Memorial and Naval Heritage Center in Washington, D.C.

-USN-