NAPLES, Italy — Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT), announced its 2025 Construction Hard Hats of the Year, Naples, Italy, July 13, 2025.
NAVFAC EURAFCENT awarded Kenneth Gould, assigned to Resident Officer in Charge (ROICC), Rota, Spain in the Construction Engineer Category and Builder 2nd Class Chance Freeman, assigned to ROICC Naples, Italy in the Construction Engineering Tech Category.
Presented annually, the Hard Hat of the Year program recognizes construction technical staff for exceptional support on construction projects, emphasizing readiness, decision-making, teamwork, collaboration, project performance, leadership, community, and service to NAVFAC.
"The Hard Hat of the Year award recognizes the true backbone of our construction operations—the field office technical staff who drive our projects to completion every single day," said Capt. Andrew Olsen, commanding officer, NAVFAC EURAFCENT. "Ken and BU2 Freeman have demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical prowess. Their ability to deliver critical infrastructure under complex, high-pressure conditions directly enables our warfighters to execute their missions across the region. I could not be prouder to have them representing our team."
Gould, a native of Texas, was recognized for his exceptional leadership in managing two highly complex construction projects with a combined work-in-progress value of over $31 million. Gould expertly coordinated the efforts of five separate contractors across projects supporting the U.S. Air Force, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM), and other vital air operations tenants.
“My approach is grounded in collaborative problem-solving,” said Gould. “When faced with an on-the-spot decision, I immediately engage all stakeholders—the contractor, end-user, designers, and our contract staff—to brainstorm a range of viable alternatives. The key is to balance cost, schedule, and quality without ever losing sight of the project’s original intent.”
This collaborative approach was essential in managing the challenging P-313 HSM Hangar project, which required navigating over $5 million in modifications due to design changes and unforeseen site conditions. His leadership was also pivotal in the successful execution of airfield improvements, which directly enhanced warfighter readiness at a key logistical hub.
“These projects are a direct investment in warfighter readiness,” Gould stated. “Our team's coordination was so effective that we were able to complete construction ahead of schedule, even facilitating an unplanned, 24-hour reopening of the full airfield during Operation Epic Fury—a testament to the incredible partnership between U.S. and Spanish forces, public works, and our construction team.”
Gould emphasized the collective effort behind these achievements. “While I am honored by this nomination, this award is truly a reflection of an outstanding team. I am just the tip of the spear. Their ability to react and perform on short timelines is the reason for our success.”
Freeman, a native of Minnesota, was recognized for his outstanding oversight of seven construction projects valued at more than $5 million in work-in-progress. Supporting critical commands including U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet, and Navy Region EURAFCENT.
“While my focus is always simply on delivering the best support possible to the mission, being named the NAVFAC EURAFCENT Hard Hat of the Year is a profound honor,” said Freeman. “This recognition is incredibly rewarding, and it serves as a direct reflection of the outstanding team I am privileged to work alongside every day.”
Freeman’s aggressive schedule management, trade sequencing, and daily contractor coordination resulted in key project deliveries 21, 30, and 60 days ahead of schedule. He credits his forward-leaning approach to his prior operational experience.
“My experience serving as a Project Supervisor with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE taught me the critical importance of proactive management,”Freeman explained.“My method is simple: identify potential bottlenecks early and address them before they impact construction progression. By actively searching for issues rather than waiting for them to surface, we maintain momentum.”
This mindset was critical to his success as the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) coordinator, where he seamlessly synchronized security escorts, utility outages, and contractor crews inside occupied, highly secure operational environments, ensuring vital Navy communication modernization projects progressed without mission interruption.
“Operating within highly secure SCIF and fleet environments demands relentless communication and extreme operational flexibility,” said Freeman. “By synchronization of tenant requirements, security protocols, and utility outages ahead of time, we ensure that when the window opens, the team executes seamlessly without ever compromising the active mission.”
Further cementing his technical expertise, Freeman also completed the rigorous NAVFAC Engineering Technician Qualification Standards program, making him the first Second Class Petty Officer in the EURAFCENT region to achieve this milestone. He advises other junior Seabees to embrace similar challenges.
“My mentors have consistently challenged me to never settle for the bare minimum, but to actively pursue every avenue for personal and professional growth,”Freeman said.“My advice to junior Seabees is to adopt that same proactive mindset: never pass up an opportunity to better yourself or your craft.”
Gould and Freeman will now advance to represent the EURAFCENT region in their respective categories at the NAVFAC enterprise-wide Hard Hat of the Year competition. Their selection highlights the high caliber of engineering and construction talent supporting operations across Europe, Africa, and the Central Command areas of responsibility.
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command is the naval shore facilities, base operating support, and expeditionary engineering systems command delivering life-cycle technical and acquisition solutions aligned to fleet and Marine Corps priorities. NAVFAC EURAFCENT supports fleet commanders by providing engineering assessments and agile acquisition strategy, constructing and maintaining shore infrastructure, and maximizing force readiness to enhance warfighter capability. NAVFAC EURAFCENT serves as the engineering link between the shore and the Fleet in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.
For more information, contact NAVFAC EURAFCENT public affairs at +39 366.695.8800 or mailto:NAVFAC-EAC-PAO@us.navy.mil.