PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, Md. -- The fourth time proved to be a charm for PMA-265 here when its acquisition team was recently announced as the recipients of the Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards for Environmental Excellence.

This achievement is an unprecedented testament to the sustained level of performance and leadership that has characterized the environmental stewardship of PMA-265 since the awards inception, said Mike Rudy, program environmental, safety and occupational health (ESOH) manager.

“This annual competition recognizes the Navy’s environmental superstars, and I congratulate all of the winners,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations. “Your environmental stewardship is an integral part of our Navy’s operations and is critical in preserving our ability to ensure our operating forces are trained and ready to perform their missions. Bravo Zulu.”

The F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office, PMA-265, manages the variants and subsystems of the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. As part of its mission, the program must communicate and balance ESOH concerns with operational needs.

PMA-265 was the Navy’s first acquisition program to comply with the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) March 2007 ESOH risk acceptance policy.

This was done when it formally acknowledged the long-standing occupational safety risk jet aircraft noise imposed on personnel, said Rudy. PMA-265’s eight-year sponsorship and participation in various technology projects is a testament to its commitment to reducing aircraft noise and air emissions.

Examples of PMA-265’s commitment can be seen in recent tests of General Electric Global Research and Aviation’s fluidic and mechanical chevron noise reduction technologies that achieved an approximate 2.5-decibel reduction in engine noise with no thrust impact over much of the frequency range.

Another example is the Trapped Vortex Combustor technology initiative that is aimed at reducing engine air emission levels used in F/A-18 variants while also achieving significant fuel consumption reductions. Tests conducted in April 2007 demonstrated a 42 percent reduction in high power nitrogen oxide emissions compared to the production engine. If proven effective, TVC could greatly reduce greenhouse gases.

PMA-265’s carrier-based tactical aircraft program is the first to have more than 100,000 Class A mishap-free flight hours. In fiscal year 2007, the F/A-18E/F reinforced its safety record by completing 116,436 Class A mishap-free flight hours. Only an aircraft with safety designed in during the acquisition process could accomplish this feat.

PMA-265 and its industry partners led their aircraft and engine suppliers’ manufacturing facilities to impressive reductions of pollution and industrial waste. For example, Boeing decreased hazardous waste production 41 percent in 2005 and 21 percent in 2006. Historically, GE Aviation annually generated more than 2,000,000 pounds of hazardous waste at its facility in Lynn, Ma. But, in 2006, it produced only 137,000 pounds, a 93 percent reduction from prior years.

The CNO Environmental Awards Ceremony is scheduled for June 3, at the U. S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center in Washington, D.C.

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