The Department of Defense recently announced the winners of the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards for 2024. These awards recognize installations, teams, and individuals for their exceptional achievements in environmental management strategies that enhance installation resilience and mission readiness. Since 1962, these awards have recognized members and civilians across the DOD who have made significant strides in conserving natural and cultural resources, protecting human health and the environment, preventing pollution, cleaning up hazardous substances, and incorporating environmental considerations into weapon systems acquisition. The protection of environmental quality ultimately improves the quality of life for Department personnel and ensures the success of missions.
The winners for 2024 were selected from a diverse panel of 47 judges from federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector. The winners included Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, which implemented a raptor translocation program to reduce wildlife-aircraft collisions; Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, which enhanced habitat and protected threatened and endangered species; and the Guam Environmental Quality Team at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz in Guam, which published a new Environmental Policy Statement and obtained funding for various environmental projects. These winners showcased their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability through their innovative initiatives and achievements.
One of the winners, Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania, achieved a 63% reduction in annual water usage consumption in 2022 and a 66% reduction in 2023. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine completed its Final Close Out Report, resulting in the de-listing of the installation from the National Priorities List. The Environmental Restoration Team at Vieques Naval Installation in Puerto Rico collaborated with Navy explosive ordnance disposal dive units to improve the offshore munitions cleanup program, saving nearly $200,000 and doubling cleanup productivity. These efforts demonstrate the dedication of DOD installations and teams to environmental restoration and sustainability.
Hill Air Force Base in Utah accommodated tribal leadership and youth visits to the Trackway Site, an archaeological site containing over 130 footprints more than 12,000 years old. The F-35 Lightning II Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Team in Maryland targeted hexavalent chromium for elimination on F-35 aircraft by implementing non-chrome fuel tank coatings and touchup kits. These winners exemplify the commitment of DOD installations, teams, and individuals to environmental excellence in various areas, including cultural resources management and weapon systems acquisition. Overall, the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding efforts of DOD members and civilians in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability across the Department.
