Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The Department of Defense has revealed the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment, emphasized the importance of ensuring that military installations are healthy, safe, functional, and resilient, acknowledging their significant impact on the quality of life of service members.
The awards aim to acknowledge outstanding achievements in environmental management strategies that enhance installation resilience and mission readiness. Since 1962, the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards have recognized individuals and teams within the Department of Defense who have made substantial contributions to conserving natural and cultural resources, protecting human health and the environment, and incorporating environmental requirements into weapon systems acquisition.
A diverse panel of 47 judges evaluated nominations from various DOD Components to select the winners for 2024. Among the nine winners this year, some notable recipients include Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, recognized for implementing a raptor translocation program to reduce wildlife-aircraft collisions. Mr. Hugo Cobos from Kadena Air Base in Japan was acknowledged for his efforts in protecting endangered species at Bellows Air Force Station.
Eglin Air Force Base in Florida was commended for its commitment to stewardship and sustainability, leading to the de-listing of the threatened Okaloosa darter species. The Guam Environmental Quality Team at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz in Guam was praised for their environmental compliance and pollution prevention initiatives.
Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania received recognition for significant reductions in water usage consumption through innovative measures, while Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine successfully completed its environmental restoration efforts and was de-listed from the National Priorities List.
The Environmental Restoration Team at Vieques Naval Installation in Puerto Rico was lauded for their collaboration in the munitions cleanup program, resulting in cost savings and increased productivity. Hill Air Force Base in Utah was acknowledged for engaging tribal leadership and youth in the preservation of archaeological sites.
Lastly, the F-35 Lightning II Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Team in Maryland was honored for their work in eliminating hexavalent chromium on F-35 aircrafts, enhancing safety measures for personnel.
For more information about the 2024 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards winners, visit https://www.denix.osd.mil/awards/2024secdef/. Additional details about the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards program, including past winners, can be found at www.denix.osd.mil/awards.
