Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Haist | 210416-N-MJ716-0002 (April 16, 2021) The Honorable Thomas W. Harker (right), Acting...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO – Last month the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) announced the winners of the 2021 Environmental Awards. Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) was recognized for its sustainability efforts along with Naval Base Point Loma for cultural resource management.
“Our environmental stewardship creates a strong foundation for mission sustainment and achievement,” said Commander, Navy Installations Command Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey in a note congratulating multiple installations.
The team contributing to the success of NBSD’s environmental mission, and subsequent recognition by SECNAV, is made up of professionals managing air quality, hazardous waste, water quality, program analysis, waterfront compliance and natural resources; among other missions.
“My thanks to each and every one of our civilians, Sailors and contractors at these installations, and across the entire shore enterprise, who play a key role in our outstanding environmental teams and programs. You make a difference each and every day, “ said Lindsey.
NBSD’s team of civilian environmental experts have faced significant challenges during the past year, including the devastating fire on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and an increase in health protection conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all they have remained committed to the mission.
“These awards are a testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship, as well as their emphasis on environmental programs to support shore readiness and our warfighters,” said NBSD Commanding Officer Capt. Ted Carlson.
Some of the factors that contributed to NBSD’s selection for sustainment include environmental impact inspections, emergency response, data collection, program development and compliance, training implementation, performed studies, storm water filtration and marine mammal safety.
Team member Ms. Rebecca Keller, who manages the Program Analysis and Environmental Management System has numerous years of federal service managing environmental compliance aboard both overseas and domestic department of defense Installations.
“The way this team works together is just the best,” said Keller. “Regardless of the support requested or the time of day our assistance is needed, everyone is ready and available to do what is necessary to get the job done.”
Keller is one of 12 team members that contributed to what made NBSD stand out during the selection process.
In the message announcing the winners, the Hon. Thomas W. Harker, acting SECNAV said “The Navy and Marine Corps take a proactive role in enhancing mission effectiveness through focused implementation of environmental programs to meet our expanding mission requirements; protect and improve the environment where we live, work and train; avoid and reduce future liabilities; and build trust and equity with our internal and external stakeholders.”
Harker personally recognized the team April 16, 2021 following his tour of an unmanned technologies integration event on NBSD. NBSD Environmental Program Manager, Mr. Mark Edson took the opportunity to speak with SECNAV and give him some insight into the team’s success.
“NBSD is fortunate to have a great group of highly motivated environmental professionals who are committed to ensuring we do our part to ensure mission requirements are met,” said Edson. “ I was always impressed with my staff stepping up to do what needed to be done to support this mission. If it required 24 hour support or weekends, the staff was always there to support.”
NBSD is homeport to more than 60 ships and 200 plus tenant commands near downtown San Diego. As the U.S. Navy’s primary surface force installation in the Pacific, NBSD’s environmental team works 24/7 to keep up with the mission.
“We really never know what may come up from day to day so at least one person from our environmental team is ready and available day or night,” said Mr. Grady Beasley, NBSD environmental team member and a 35-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and federal civil service.
Other contributing team members include Environmental Compliance Branch Manager Mr. Nick Popadich; Air Quality Program Manager Ms. Samantha Lui; Hazardous Waste and Tank Program Manager Ms. Kelly Kwok; Water Quality Program Manager Mr. Justin Rhoads; Waterfront Compliance Manager Mr. David Nelson; Natural Resources Program Manager Ms. Vanessa Capestany; Air Quality Manager Mr. Frank Williamson; Mr. Kim Impreso, air quality program support; Mr. Tom Stockton, water quality program support and Ms. Victoria Pena, water quality program support.
“We are here to support the Navy so when something happens, we are always ready, willing and able to answer the call and meet the challenge,” said Beasley.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2021 12:04 |
| Story ID: | 397043 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO , CA, US |
| Web Views: | 346 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, SECNAV Recognizes NBSD Environmental for Sustainability, by Krishna Jackson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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