Vol. 48 Edition 4
NAVFAC Foresters Provide Oak for USS Constitution Restoration
contents
2017 • Volume 48 • Edition 4
4
NAVFAC Conducts Leadership Board
6
Around the FECs
12
NAVFAC’s Engineers of the Year
22
Still Serving
25
NAVFAC Engineering Outreach
Annual conference addresses future challenges, total force development, high velocity learning and more!
6
Latest news on how we’re supporting the fleet in the NAVFAC Atlantic area of responsibility.
Stellar field of candidates leading up to the NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year awards February 2018.
Special Veterans Day tribute to NAVFAC Atlantic employees on their second career serving our country.
12
NAVFAC teams show Hampton Roads students the wonders of a career in engineering!
30
Service Awards
Rear Adm. Banaji pays tribute to stellar performers who advance the command’s mission year after year.
22
On the cov er
It takes a Fleet to keep American’s oldest commissioned warship in good repair! Part of the team includes foresters from NAVFAC for the very materials that make up her hull. It’s not the first time PWD Crane has answered the call to keep the USS Constitution a shining example of the American spirit. Learn how these specialists protect, and ultimately harvest, the oak needed for the most recent restoration. More on page 6.
Rear Adm. Darius Banaji
Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic
Captain Charlie Willmore
Mr. Tim Spreen
Mr. Jim Brantley
Ms. JC Kreidel
Vice Commander
25
Director, Public Affairs & Communications
Business Director
Editor
The Atlantic Observer is an authorized Naval Facilities Engineering Command publication and published quarterly for the employees of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic. Contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy, and do not imply endorsement thereof. Editorial content of this magazine has been reviewed and approved by the NAVFAC Atlantic Public Affairs Office for public release. Articles and photos may be submitted to Public Affairs Office, Code 09PA, NAVFAC Atlantic, 6506 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508-1278. For more information or other comments, call (757) 322-8005 or e-mail james.brantley@navy.mil The Atlantic Observer
A Word from the Top
Rear Adm. Darius Banaji Commander, NAVFAC Atlantic
Team NAVFAC Atlantic, Happy New Year! I trust you enjoyed some well-deserved time to recharge and enjoy the Holiday Season with friends and family - I know I did! Thinking back on the incredible support our team provided to our Supported Commanders in 2017 made the Holiday Season that much better. In the spirit of “New Year’s Resolutions,” I’d like to reflect on some lessons I’ve learned from the workforce that can affect positive change in 2018. Thanks to those of you who participated in the recent Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS). Our participation rate increased significantly compared to last year and included valuable feedback on what we’re doing right and where we can improve. Generally speaking we have a positive, supportive command climate…I take that as a testament to the great people we have on our team! You specifically mentioned appreciation for flexible work schedules and other morale programs… we will keep those going and look for opportunities in 2018 to further enhance these programs. On the morale front, I encourage you to reach out to our OUTSTANDING “REC-ing Crew” and volunteer when you can. In addition to the good news stories, you provided constructive critical feedback. The most commonly voiced areas of concern, have the same root cause: communication. From communications between echelons, recognition programs, awareness of what’s going on with other BLs/SLs, understanding our strategic picture, or general process questions, there is room for improvement. We are developing a targeted plan to help facilitate these improvements. I encourage you to provide feedback and support as we either enhance existing programs or roll out new ones to help make NAVFAC Atlantic an even better place to work! Finally, I’d like to highlight an initiative that will significantly improve our Product and Service Delivery and Financial Trust. NAVFAC Atlantic was honored to host the Funds Workflow (FWF) Working Group in December. This cross-functional, multi-echelon team is working to increase efficiency, consistency and visibility throughout the FWF process. Chartered in late November, this tremendous group of professionals has made substantial progress in a short time…they quickly provided thoughtful analysis of root causes and laid a brilliant foundation for the work required to achieve success. I am thrilled to be the advocate for this process and look forward to our implementation of their recommendations over the next several months…just one more thing that makes me proud to be your LANT Commander! We accomplished a great deal in 2017 and are poised to accomplish even more in 2018. Whether I’m visiting one of our units of action, walking through our spaces, or enjoying one of our monthly work force lunches, I am continually impressed by the caliber of our workforce. You provide the platform that facilitates Fleet readiness, directly enabling the successful execution of missions across the globe... for that you have my thanks…and the thanks of a grateful Nation. Happy New Year,
Darius 3
NAVFAC Conducts Leadership Board Attendees of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Leadership Board held at the Washington Navy Yard, D.C. pose together for a photo. The board provided NAVFAC leadership an opportunity to meet and share key concerns and share ideas throughout the command worldwide. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Gary Granger Jr.)
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Headquarters Public Affairs Office
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD – Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) recently held its annual Senior Leadership Board, Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, at the Washington Navy Yard, D.C. The board, comprised of senior leadership from headquarters and the Echelon III and IV commands, Department of Navy staff, as well as members of the Leadership Development Program, gathered for a strategic review of NAVFAC and its mission.
my best to protect you from it so you can focus on the business of the Navy and Marine Corps.” While topics discussed included governance review, total force development, cyber security, high velocity learning, and the NAVFAC hiring strategy, the NAVFAC Strategic Design remained the focus of the discussion
Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, Commander, NAVFAC, kicked off the three-day meeting with his expectations and the state of activities in Washington, D.C.
“The Strategic Design is the core of why we are here,” said Muilenburg. “It continues to help sharpen our focus in our critical role of supporting the Fleet, Marine Corps and Combatant Commanders in the defense of our nation.
“We have a lot of activity currently underway at senior Navy levels,” said Muilenburg. “I am doing
Future challenges to resources and maintaining the shore infrastructure were of particular interest to the
The Atlantic Observer
analysis is complete and the recommendations are audience. While the consensus was that NAVFAC could not count on additional resources to meet announced. these challenges, the future was not necessarily bleak. Muilenburg offered “Let’s continue to do what needs to be done to make his insight into how the “The Strategic Design our Navy and Marine Corps challenges could be met. is the core of why we successful,” said LaTorre. “Improving our tactics, are here. It continues Muilenburg closed the techniques and procedures is the key to solutions within our to help sharpen our leadership board with his continued commitment to current funding levels,” said focus in our critical financial trust, the Strategic Muilenburg. role of supporting Design and NAVFAC NAVFAC Executive the Fleet, Marine leadership’s intent to publish the Calendar Year 2018 Director, Jennifer LaTorre, Corps and Combatant led a discussion on the Strategic Plan initiatives by current environmental billet Commanders in the the end of the year. realignment analysis and defense of our nation.” Lastly, he offered kudos ongoing shore studies being – Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg and encouragement to the conducted by an independent NAVFAC enterprise. contractor for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for “Thanks to all of you for all you do daily to Fleet Logistics and Readiness. support the NAVFAC and Naval mission,” said the Commander. “Nobody does this business of Both of these initiatives are expected to report milestone findings this month. LaTorre stressed that planning, building and sustaining shore facilities better than NAVFAC.”▪ there is no need for undue concern, and that the best course of action is “business as usual” until the
One of the key takeaways from the Leadership Board was continuing to focus on improving tactics, techniques and procedures. Given restrictions with current funding levels, it’s processes like High Velocity Learning that will help NAVFAC meet its goals. High velocity learning is not a management technique; it is a culture!
Defined:
High Velocity Learning High Velocity Learning (See – Solve – Share – Lead) is central to strengthening NAVFAC’s ability to create an environment where continuous learning and improvement permeate. This is everyone’s job. It is not a complicated process. It is a method for discovering, attacking and solving problems when they happen. There are four things that must happen to create high velocity learning.
• • • •
See problems as they occur through relentless testing of assumptions Solve problems as they are seen to quickly build new knowledge Share and spread new knowledge throughout the organization Lead by developing other capable leaders who perpetuate the system
5
PWD Crane Forrester Proud to be Part of Constitution’s Restoration USS Constitution sits moored pier side Sept. 6, at Boston Navy Shipyard in Boston, Mass. Constitution is on the final stages of its twoand-a-half-year long restoration period. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey Scoular/Released)
NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs
America’s oldest commissioned warship, USS Constitution, was refloated July 23 after a two-year restoration at Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston National Historical Park. Since entering dry dock on May 18, 2015, ship restorers from the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston and teams of Constitution Sailors have worked side-by-side to bring the ship back to her glory.
In February 2014, Navy foresters and contractors from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Public Works Department Crane began harvesting specially designated trees at Naval Support Activity Crane in preparation for the restoration by the Navy yard, which saw the replacement of 100 hull planks and the required
The Atlantic Observer
caulking, the re-building of the ship’s cutwater on the bow, and the on-going preservation and repair of the ship’s rigging, upper masts and yards.
PWD Crane forestry program manager Trent Osmon personally oversaw the cutting down of 35 of the nearly 150 GPS-located mature white oaks set aside for use for the Constitution. “Everything went smoothly,” said Osmon, who manages the base’s 53,000 acres of forest. “We have a limited window each year to harvest timber here because of weather conditions and also because Crane’s forest is home to the endangered Indiana bat, which nests under tree bark and in hollowed out trees during the summer.” The first load of logs was sent to Boston in July 2015 and
more loads followed in March 2016. To date, 20 logs were sent. Osmon was honored to have escorted the first load.
“When I started my career in the early summer of 1997 we were less than three years removed from the final load of logs that had been sent as a part of the mid 1990s restoration,” he said. “More than 75 logs were sent, in time for the ship’s bicentennial celebration to happen in July of 1997, on which the ship would sail under her own power for the first time in 116 years. Not only were we not far removed from the work that was done, but the actual celebration was just a month away. So to say I was hooked early on by being a part of this historic process is an understatement.”
After that, Osmon said he was immediately looking forward to personally being a part of the ship’s next restoration. Fast forward nearly 15 years later in the winter of 2012, and Osmon receives a call from Bob Murphy, the production manager at the Charlestown Navy Yard, requesting a tour of the trees Crane had set aside for the ship. The next planned dry docking was to occur in 2015 and they wanted logs on hand to provide for hull planks during the process. “The experience of being a part of the restoration did not disappoint,” Osmon said. “Even after a buildup of excitement for more than 18 years at Crane I was still giddy when I got to step foot on the ship. Actually seeing the restoration first-hand of what I had only seen in pictures up until then, was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Crane’s white oak trees are used to replace Constitution’s deteriorated hull planking and supporting structures. A grove of trees at Crane was officially named “Constitution Grove” May 8, 1976, during the United States’ bicentennial. This small ceremonial area of trees includes a few white oaks and provides visitors a representation of the base’s widely dispersed inventory of the species.
"Actually seeing the restoration first-hand of what I had only seen in pictures up until then, was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life."
Constitution started her service in the U.S. Navy with her launch Oct. 21, 1797. She was one of the six original frigates which began the new United States Navy and construction was authorized by an act of Congress in 1794. She and sister frigates were designed by shipbuilder Joshua Humphreys. As the Navy’s capital ships, they were larger and more heavily armed than frigates that had come before her, Constitution and her sisters became formidable opponents on the high seas. Constitution earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” while engaging British ships during the War of 1812. Sailors observed enemy cannon balls bouncing off the ship’s hull and exclaimed her sides must have been made of iron.▪
TriState Timber cutters John Maners and Marty O’Neal, PWD Crane Forester Rhett Steele, TriState Timber buyer Jeff Page, and PWD Crane Foresters Trent Osmon and Brady Miller pose for a group photo Feb. 21, 2014. Photo courtesy of Trent Osmon
7
CNREURAFSWA / NAVFAC EURAFSWA Wins 2017 Federal Energy and Water Management Program Awards Installations also recognized with Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Awards Joel Warner NAVFAC EURAFSWA Public Affairs
Navy Region Europe Africa Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) / Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) EURAFSWA was awarded the U.S. Department of Energy's 2017 Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program’s (FEMP) Federal Energy and Water Management award. In addition, the FEMP Career Exceptional Service Award was awarded to Terence Kaden, an electronics technician at
the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy Public Works Department. Kaden was recognized for his efforts supporting NAS Sigonella’s energy reduction efforts, which garnered the base the title of the region’s Energy Biggest Loser for two years in a row in July 2015 and July 2016. Kaden taught himself many HVAC best practices needed to tune system settings to use less energy than the original design, while maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature. The FEMP program recognizes outstanding achievements in energy and water efficiency,
renewable energy, and fleet management from within the federal government. EURAFSWA was recognized for the success of its “Energy Biggest Loser" program and its transition into the year-round "Fuel For the Fleet" initiative. Like Energy Biggest Loser, Fuel for the Fleet is an energy reduction competition that challenges the installations in the region to reduce energy usage from the prior year’s levels. Fuel for the Fleet explicitly links energy savings and energy awareness activities to the operational support that the Region provides to Fleet missions. “We deliver missions throughout three continents for three geographic combatant communities,” said Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, Commander, Navy Region EURAFSWA. “My installations in eight different countries play a vital role and centers of gravity in supporting NATO, U.S., and allied forces as they pass through the theater. I believe a vital piece of that is energy.”
CAPT Maria L. Aguayo, Commanding Officer, NAVFAC EURAFSWA, accepted the 2017 Federal Energy and Water Management award on behalf of CNREURAFSWA/ NAVFAC EURAFSWA. Terence Kaden, Electronics Technician, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, received the Career Exceptional Service Award at the same event in Washington, D.C. Antonino Piluso, Installation Energy Manager at NAS Sigonella, and Konstantinos Kavasis, Installation Energy Manager at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, were on hand as part of the team earning the award. (Navy photo by Scott Ghiringhelli/RELEASED)
The Atlantic Observer
Energy reduction efforts in EURAFSWA are designed to improve the capacity and resiliency of the installations to make them more operationally
effective, said Williamson. Williamson explained, “Energy’s important to the mission. Period.” Across Navy Region EURAFSWA, the installations are being recognized for their success in optimizing energy and water usage, increasing resiliency to improve mission support.
PWD Souda Bay: Focused on Mission Support
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, received the FY 2017 Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Platinum Award. NSA Bahrain, NSA Naples, Italy, and NAS Sigonella received the Gold award, while Naval Station Rota, Spain and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, received Blue level recognition. "In EURAFSWA, we are committed to building a Navy shore culture that values energy as a critical resource to enhance our operational reach, energy security, and energy independence. We stress accountability at all levels for reducing energy consumption. Our commitment to a culture of energy responsibility includes the entire organization, and that's been a driving factor in our success," said Williamson. Navy Region EURAFSWA provides operational platforms ashore that enable U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.▪
Capt. Brad Collins, Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, thanks Lt. Cmdr Dawn Roe, Public Works Officer, and the NSA Souda Bay Public Works Department Oct. 5 for their efforts to ensure mission success after an Aircraft Refueling Transfer Station Transformer failure. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
On September 24, the transformer at the Aircraft Refueling Transfer Station in Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece suffered a catastrophic failure. The problem needed to be fixed quickly, as multiple critical refueling operations were scheduled in the days immediately after the failure. NSA Souda Bay Public Works Department was ready for the challenge. The PWD Production and FEAD Divisions worked together in a “total team effort,” said Public Works Officer Lt. Cmdr. Dawn Roe. By realigning the pumping system and providing a backup generator, the PWD team was able to create a quick turnaround solution. This allowed the installation to meet critical refueling obligations without lost time or aircraft rerouting. Continued follow-on effort by FEAD personnel led to the identification and procurement of a replacement transformer, bringing the facility fully back on line within 10 days of the failure. “At PWD Souda Bay, we are focused on mission support,” said Roe. “We saw a problem, we implemented a solution, and we kept the mission on schedule. I’m proud of my team for their efforts.” Capt. Brad Collins, Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay, publicly thanked the PWD for its efforts and provided Command coins to the primary individuals involved in this action.
9
NAVFAC Washington Hosts Energy Awareness Action Fair Giti Dengle NAVFAC Washington
Navy commands around the world participate in Energy Awareness Action Month in October by hosting events throughout the month to share information on energy efficiency and promote an energy conservation culture Navy-wide. To kick off the month, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington hosted an Energy Awareness Action Fair Sept. 21 at the Washington Navy Yard. Public Works Department (PWD) Washington invited area personnel who wanted to learn more about energy and water conservation efforts to attend the fair. Presenters at the fair included NAVFAC Washington Energy and Retro-Commissioning Team, Fleet Department (Electric Cars)
The Atlantic Observer
Capt. Drew Hascall, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington Commanding Officer, discussed renewable energy, sustainability services and cost-effective energy solutions with Peter Keating and Karl Van Deusen of ConEdison Solutions during the Federal Programs Energy Awareness Fair in recognition of Energy Action Month at Washington Navy Yard Sept. 21.
NAVFAC, Shore Operations Center (ShOC)Team, Washington Gas Energy, ConEdison Energy Solution, Johnson Controls, Siemens Building Technologies Division, NORESCO Energy, Green Leaf Energy Conservation, Lockheed Martin, NSGEM (CIRCUIT & DUERS Utilities),and Brewer-Garrett Facility Solutions. Attendees were given envelope openers, magnets and keyboard dusters, LED flash lights and pens, as reminders to be more energy efficient throughout the day.
The Energy and Retro-Commissioning team shared information on the progress made in the following areas - energy efficiency and enhancements in new renovation and construction, renewable energy initiatives and energy conservation ideas for future projects. Following the Energy Fair Event, energy awareness banners were posted at the Washington Navy Yard during the month of October to inform employees of Energy Awareness Month.â–Ş
SPAWAR Hosts a Joint Mentoring Event with NAVFAC Southwest Cross Collaboration with Another Command Gave a Different Perspective Mario Icari NAVFAC Southwest Public Affairs
Leaders from both organizations provided insight to the value of mentoring at the beginning of the event. These leaders were SPAWAR Corporate Operations Head Kimberly Kesler, SPAWAR Executive Director Patrick Sullivan, NAVFAC Southwest Business Director Ron Plaseied, and M-Dash Group Inc. Leadership Coach Megan Ragsdale. "I really enjoyed the comfortable environment to interact with senior leaders and experts," said June Wheaton, NAVFAC Southwest Water Program engineer. "The mentors quickly got to know my background and aspirations, and provided a variety of strategies to grow in my career and play to my strengths. I highly recommend speed mentoring for anyone who wants to challenge themselves to optimize their contributions and maximize their success." In addition to the mentoring sessions, tables were set up with leadership materials and leadership development program information provided by both commands to ensure mentees could gain insight into career development opportunities available. "The event was unique to allow cross collaboration with another command which gave a different perspective to our employees that they would not otherwise get as well as the opportunity to interface one on one with senior executives,” said Emery. “This event was a great success and one that we hope will be the start of many more to come." ▪
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest hosted a Joint Speed Mentoring Session Aug. 29 in San Diego. "Speed mentoring allows employees to be exposed to a broad range of senior leader mentors in a short period of time where topics of conversation could range from professional development such as training, education and advancement to topics as quality of work life or how to become more visible in the command to name a few," said Katie Emery, NAVFAC Southwest Human Resources deputy director. Government civilian and military personnel from SPAWAR and NAVFAC Southwest received first hand mentoring advice and networked with top level leadership from NAVFAC Southwest and SPAWAR. Individuals asked questions, exchanged ideas, and heard expert advice. "The speed mentoring event was fantastic,” said Eley Decuba, NAVFAC Southwest Acquisition People & Processes contract specialist. "It was wonderful to have access to some of the great leaders in our organizations. I was truly impressed by their sincere interest in our career development and the valuable advice they had to offer." The Speed Mentoring Session event featured one-onone 10 minute mentoring sessions with a minimum of four senior level mentors and featured group mentoring areas that pulled in groups of four or more mentees and mentors. The following mentors who contributed to group mentoring were M-Dash Group, Inc. Leadership Coach & Design Thinker Megan Ragsdale, SPAWAR Civilian Human Resources Director Margaret Malowney, SPAWAR MIDS CHENG and APM-E Supervisor Jeremy Mucha, and Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Life Style Logistics Professor Greg Schlauch. "The speed mentoring session gave me invaluable face time with senior leaders both inside the organization and at SPAWAR," said Aaron L. Roll, NAVFAC Southwest financial analyst. "I received great feedback on specific ways to continue Government civilian and military personnel from SPAWAR and to develop myself professionally. I look forward to NAVFAC Southwest interacted and received first hand mentoring future events like this and appreciate all of the hard advice and networked with top level leadership from NAVFAC Southwest and SPAWAR. Individuals asked questions, exchanged work to put the event together." ideas, and heard expert advice.
11
ENGINEERS OF THE YEAR
Each year, the Professional Engineers in Government, honors the very best in the field. Agencies with 50 or more engineers may submit candidates and as in years past, the most accomplished citizen engineers were submitted as representatives of their facilities engineering commands within NAVFAC Atlantic. Two have gone on to be named as the enterprise-wide engineers of the year. Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Chief of Civil Engineers offered his thoughts with the following announcement in November: Team NAVFAC, We are truly fortunate to have extraordinary engineers who serve NAVFAC and the Navy with selfless dedication and technical superiority. They continue to build on our 175 year legacy of outstanding support to the Navy and Marine Corps. Our NAVFAC Engineers of the Year were selected from a group of exceptional candidates, including the following Engineers of the Year from their respective Commands:
NAVFAC Atlantic: Thomas P. Norris NAVFAC Pacific: Keith M. Yoshimoto NAVFAC EURAFSWA: Benjamin L. Miller & Lt. Mike Guaigua, NAVFAC Far East: Patrick M. Roybal & Lt. Cmdr. John F. Casilio II NAVFAC Hawaii: Ruey K. Hwu & Lt. Thomas R. Stock NAVFAC Marianas: John F. Salas & Lt. Timothy R. Dahms NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic: David J. Cotnoir & Lt. Kathleen M. OrRico NAVFAC Northwest: Melissa S. Gehrmann & Lt. Cmdr. Jason A. Killian NAVFAC Southeast: Chris E. Cook & Lt. Cmdr. Ryan W. Thrun NAVFAC Southwest: James R. Sheetz & Cmdr. Michael W. Carr II NAVFAC Washington: Calvin D. Austin & Lt. Cmdr. Jason A. Schechter
Our NAVFAC engineer of the year process is part of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Federal Engineer of the Year Award program. The program recognizes exceptional contributions made by federal engineers to the engineering profession and to those organizations and communities they serve. I am extremely pleased to announce that Mr. Calvin D. Austin from NAVFAC Washington and Lt. Cmdr. Ryan W. Thrun from NAVFAC Southeast were selected as the NAVFAC Civilian and Military Engineers of the Year for 2018! Mr. Austin and Lt. Cmdr. Thrun will represent NAVFAC at the NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year Awards Luncheon February 23, 2018 at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., at which time NSPE will announce the 2018 Federal Engineer of the Year. I trust you will join me in congratulating Calvin, Ryan, all of the Command winners/nominees, and their leaders and teammates for their individual and collective success in serving and supporting NAVFAC, the Navy/Marine Corps team, and our great nation. Sincerely, Bret Muilenburg
The Atlantic Observer
Norris Tapped with NAVFAC Atlantic 2018 Engineer of the Year Honors NORFOLK, Va. – Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic named Thomas Norris, P.E. its top engineer Oct. 19 for efforts supporting the command’s worldwide mission. NAVFAC Atlantic Commander, Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, announced Norris as the 2018 NAVFAC Atlantic Engineer of the Year calling him the driving force in developing and refining NAVFAC’s mechanical systems acceptance and commissioning program. Norris is an Acceptance Engineer within the command’s Capital Improvements Business Line. His work has significantly improved the reliability and efficiency of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. His efforts resulted in significant operational cost savings and dramatically improved the quality of life for our warfighters. “He also passes on his knowledge by providing training each year across NAVFAC on acceptance testing, controls, chilled water systems, dedicated outdoor air systems and building commissioning,” says Banaji. “This enables our units of action to provide critical Quality Assurance to construction oversight and deliver a better product to all of our Supported Commanders.” With complete ownership of the mechanical acceptance program, Norris is also the primary author of the Army, Navy and Air Force total building commissioning United Facility Guide Specifications. Using his detail-oriented approach and commitment to excellence, he developed the checklists for performance design, inspection and commissioning across the entire Department of Defense. Stephen Ericson, P.E., CEM, NAVFAC Atlantic Mechanical Engineering Branch Manager and Technical Discipline Leader, says Norris is one of the high-energy performers in the area of facility acceptance and commissioning. “He has been able to demonstrate through training, adherence to established guidance, and execution of actual project work that our government acceptance testing can turn around a project by providing HVAC systems that work,” said Ericson, himself a former NAVFAC Atlantic Engineer of the Year. “He displayed significant leadership in training all of the facilities engineering commands in the use of acceptance testing processes while minimizing the associated travel for the training efforts.”
since his employment with Civil Service, first with NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic and then with NAVFAC Atlantic since 2015. He is an alumnus of Old Dominion University where he earned a degree in Engineering Technology in 1987. Additionally he is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Green Building Initiative as well as the Association of Energy Engineers and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers. He is a Certified Energy Manager with the Association of Energy Engineers and a LEED Accredited Professional with the United States Green Building Council. Norris’ community interests include volunteering with the homeless and disadvantaged veterans. He is a charter boat captain, licensed by the United States Coast Guard, and enjoys providing fishing trips for disadvantaged youth. He is further dedicated to education, developing detailed field-proven control sequences for mechanical systems on his own time for training of designers and commissioning professionals and incorporation into designs.▪
Read more about Thomas on the pages of Inside Business:
Norris is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has been with NAVFAC 13
E N G I N E E R S O F T H E Y E A R
EURAFSWA Lt. Mike Guaigua Construction Manager, Public Works Department Naval Station Rota, Spain, NAVFAC EURAFSWA Militar y Engineer of the Year Guaigua was recognized for leveraging his in-depth engineering and construction knowledge in support of the Military Construction and Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization program to provide crucial infrastructure for new Forward Deployed Naval Forces in the European area of operations. He provided construction management oversight on five major projects valued at $20 million in support of emergent National Defense initiatives within the region. As Military Division Officer, he mentored 39 enlisted Seabees. His direct training and professional development was instrumental in their ability to provide utilities to the base and support ammunition movements, hundreds of crane lifts, shore utilities, and countless other ship-to-shore services providing ballistic missile defense throughout the region. In addition, he championed the establishment of a Society of American Military Engineers field chapter in Rota.
[
]
“While there were many strong candidates for this award, Benjamin and Mike are the best of the best. Their deckplate involvement in the construction programs at their Installations was critical to delivering world-class facilities for our supported commanders.�
Capt. Maria L. Aguayo, NAVFAC EURAFSWA Commanding Officer
Mr. Benjamin L. Miller, P.E. Project Management and Engineering Branch Head Public Works Department, U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete NAVFAC EURAFSWA Civilian Engineer of the Year
Mr. Miller successfully led the management and completion of the Airfield Pavement Expansion Military Construction (MILCON) project, supervising a team of two Engineering Technicians and a Construction Manager. Additionally, his diligent efforts with the Contractor to meet requirements resulted in a no-cost alternative pavement section design. He led his team during the construction of the Intermodal Access Road MILCON project providing road access from Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay to Marathi Port, and singlehandedly performed the project development for six crucial Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) projects.
The Atlantic Observer
[
M I D - AT L A N T I C
“This was a highly competitive process. Nominees were evaluated in the areas of engineering achievements, civic and humanitarian activities, professional registration, continuing education, and professional and technical society involvement.� Capt. Dean VanderLey, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Commanding Officer
]
Lt. Kathleen OrRico, P.E., Construction Manager at Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division, Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Militar y Engineer of the Year OrRico expertly managed a $3.2 million renovation of a child development center that required a major modification to correct issues that occurred due to sewer line settlement issues. Understanding the importance to the Cherry Point mission, OrRico successfully managed a $10 million project to pave two installation runways working closely with the contractor and preparing a plan for improving performance, keeping the project on schedule. Currently, OrRico is successfully managing the $13 million renovation of Hangar 250, a 1940s vintage structure that will be the only remaining hangar of its era on base after the completion of the F-35 construction program. During the early stages of the project, she effectively managed several large modifications to relocate tenants and industrial equipment due to unforeseen conditions.
NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Civilian Engineer of the Year Mr. David Cotnoir, P.E., Senior Water Program Manager, Environmental Business Line
Mr. Cotnoir, as technical lead for the development of drinking water guidance and sampling procedures, successfully managed water sampling at Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Installations. His guidance and procedures were utilized by NAVFAC headquarters to develop Navy policy. His study of drainage at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia led to a storm water management savings of $225 thousand a year. Cotnoir is responsible for the execution of 30 task orders totaling more than $4.2 million for clients that include Commander, Navy Installations Command, Naval Sea Systems Command, Marine Corps Installations Command, and the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. 15
NORTHWEST NAVFAC Nor thwest Militar y Engineer of the Year Lt. Cmdr. Jason Killian Facilities and Acquisition Division (FEAD) Director, Public Works Department Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Lt. Cmdr. Killian consistently displayed extraordinary leadership, exceptional team building skills, and unwavering commitment while directing multiple complex projects. Operating during a period of unprecedented construction op-tempo, he applied technical expertise and mentorship in leading the team to complete a construction surge of over $250M supporting the Fleet's transition to four new mission platforms with success. He was instrumental in executing more than 100 contract actions on mission critical PWD projects. Lt. Cmdr. Killian's superior knowledge of project programming, acquisition and technical processes enabled him to increase the command's speed of execution while safeguarding people, available resources and the environment. Faced with executing the construction of a P8 training facility with a fast approaching Initial Operational Capability date, he recognized the project was trending past the construction completion date. Adding to the delays was a mechanical system design error. Lt. Cmdr. Killian evaluated the problem and put a team together to provide an engineered solution for balancing the ventilation system, connection of environmental controls to the Integrated Controls System network, and monitoring of all conditions of the environmental controls. His judicious reallocation of team assets and ingenious leadership ensured the project was fully functional and completed on time.
Melissa Gehrmann, Design Team Civil Engineer Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division Public Works Department Naval Air Station Whidbey Island NAVFAC Nor thwest Civilian Engineer of the Year After joining NAVFAC in May 2016, Ms. Gehrmann had to quickly become knowledgeable in air field pavements and air field operations as she was assigned several flight-line projects, including the all-important summer runway repair shutdowns. Her ability to immerse herself into projects, great people skills, technical prowess, and strong self-motivation, led to the decision to retain her on these projects as the post award construction representative. Recently, the Installation Commanding Officer requested that PWD take a look at all crosswalks along a major thoroughfare at NASWI due to pedestrian safety concerns. Ms. Gehrmann evaluated several crosswalks for safety improvements. She evaluated the current crosswalk configuration in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, base, federal guidelines and reviewed several previous studies. Her efforts resulted in funding a project to increase safety through improved lighting and sidewalk modifications. Ms. Gehrmann is the "go to" engineer in the office for many high visibility issues. Each and every day she demonstrates what it means to be a team player. Her professionalism and dedication to her work have translated into reduced mission impacts during construction and improved mission performance when construction is complete.
The Atlantic Observer
SOUTHEAST Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Thrun NAVFAC Southeast Contingency Engineer N A V F A C S o u t h e a s t M i l i t a r y E n g i n e e r o f t h e Ye a r,
NAVFAC Militar y Engineer of the Year Thrun reported to NAVFAC Southeast as the Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Director (FEAD) aboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in August 2016, then reported as the NAVFAC Southeast Contingency Engineer aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida in June 2017.
As the Contingency Engineer, Thrun led preparation and recovery efforts for two Category 4 hurricanes; Hurricane Harvey in Corpus Christi, Texas and Hurricane Irma, in Florida. For both disasters, he established and led the NAVFAC Southeast Emergency Operations Center, coordinating initial support from 17 field organizations across the Southeast and ultimately employing reach-back from field offices across the continental U.S. Post storm, he led the establishment and deployment of engineering response teams to evaluate infrastructure safety and provide damage assessments and cost data for more than 1,000 facilities.
NAVFAC Southeast Civilian Engineer of the Year Mr. Chris Cook Facility Sustainment Manager, NAVFAC Southeast Public Works Mr. Cook manages the entire preventive maintenance program for all dynamic systems in the Southeast region. Cook’s efforts raised the Southeast region from a 38 percent planned maintenance (PM) level to a 61 percent PM level resulting in less unscheduled and break down maintenance thereby saving money. Cook personally designed or managed professional engineering services to 17 naval bases from simple re-roofing jobs to technical redesigned mechanical systems for administrative buildings in the hot, humid, mold susceptible climate of the south. His highly esteemed reputation created demand for his professional services from locations in Japan, Italy and Hawaii. Cook volunteered to serve as the interim Deputy Public Works Officer in New Orleans for 120 days while the position was recruited and filled permanently. He led a 120-person combined military and civilian workforce in support of a joint military air reserve base. His responsibilities included maintenance and repair of 228 facilities valued at $1.2 billion.
E N G I N E E R S O F T H E Y E A R
As the FEAD, Thrun expertly led a staff of engineers and acquisition professionals in the execution of 26 recapitalization projects estimated at $9.8 million. Despite low manning in an extremely austere location, Thrun excelled in resourcing and managing his team, overcoming logistical support challenges, employing superior networking skills, sound engineering knowledge, and construction experience through his staff. He ultimately led his team to successfully complete $42 million in design work and $67 million in high-quality construction.
17
E N G I N E E R S O F T H E Y E A R
SOUTHWEST NAVFAC Southwest Militar y Engineer of the Year Cmdr. Michael W. Carr II, NAVFAC Southwest Assistant Operations Officer, Coastal Integrated Product Team Carr was selected as the 2018 NAVFAC Southwest Military Engineer of the Year for his leadership of the annual execution of $200 million in planning, design and environmental projects. His team of more than 100 architects and engineers led significant facilities improvement efforts, utility upgrades, waterfront engineering, dredging of the San Diego Bay, and environmental clean-up at the four largest Naval installations on the west coast. One of the projects is the design and construction oversight for the Naval Base Coronado Coastal Campus. The $1 billion project is a monumental planning and engineering effort to build several new state of the art facilities supporting the training and operations of Naval Special Warfare Command over a ten-year period..
[
]
"There were many qualified candidates making the selection difficult, but at the end, two engineers were selected based on many criteria including their contribution to the command.� John Coon, NAVFAC Southwest Capital Improvements Business Line Leader & Chief Engineer
NAVFAC Southwest Civilian Engineer of the Year James R. Sheetz, Supervisory Environmental Engineer Sheetz was selected as the 2018 NAVFAC Southwest Civilian Engineer of the Year for a number of accomplishments. One example is his development of a bi-annual professional engineer exam review course that helped active duty and civilian personnel achieve their professional registrations. He developed course materials for 20 exam topics that met National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying specifications for fluids and hydraulics, hydrology, open channel flow and culverts, groundwater and wells, water chemistry, thermodynamics, air quality fate and transport. He supervised six instructors teaching in-person and remote students. The course led to the successful licensing of 33 personnel across several commands and saved the Navy more than $100,000. The Atlantic Observer
WASHINGTON Lt. Cmdr. Jason Schechter Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division (FEAD) Head, Public Works Department Washington NAVFAC Washington Militar y Engineer of the Year
“It is a huge honor and a testament to what a team can accomplish despite being faced with significant staffing shortages and financial pressures,” said Schechter, a California native. NAVFAC Washington’s top military engineer, Schechter, led 56 personnel in engineering, facilities and utilities sustainment, contracting, and construction management efforts across seven National Capital area installation. The diverse efforts of his team span the spectrum of facilities, grounds, utilities (production and distribution), and environmental sustainment and modernization projects. Most actions are multi-disciplined and require specialized expertise in support of premier Naval Research and Intelligence Centers as well as numerous headquarters elements.
N A V F A C W a s h i n g t o n C i v i l i a n E n g i n e e r o f t h e Ye a r,
NAVFAC Civilian Engineer of the Year Calvin Austin Structural Engineer, Integrated Product Team Gold
“It’s an honor to be chosen, especially amongst such a talented field of engineers who have made great contributions to NAVFAC,” said Austin, a Philadelphia native. Austin provided emergency structural engineering services for several critical projects within the NAVFAC Washington area of responsibility. He developed site investigation reports comprised of captioned pictures of existing conditions, detailed statement of existing conditions, proposed engineered solutions including engineered details, and construction cost estimates. His reports serve as a template for NAVFAC Washington structural engineers to use for future structural inspection reports.
Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Chief of Civil Engineers congratulates Calvin Austin on his selection as the 2018 NAVFAC Washington Civilian Engineer of the Year.
Congratulations to all our top engineers on a job very well done! 19
Delivering Roof Assessment Training to Navy Region EURAFSWA Mike Ryan, RA NAVFAC Atlantic Roofing Program Manager Training on rooftops (at left) or in the classroom (below), the new Roof Assessment training course has students on the go! Lead instructor Mike Ryan maps out a variety of things to look for during an inspection in a fast-paced classroom setting before taking inspectors out to review an EURAFSWA asset. In two-and-a-half days the idea is not to make a roof expert, but a professional who can safely and efficiently assess a roof and identifying potential defects so the fleet can count on superior facilities maintenance and sustainment.
A building’s roof is typically the most critical element. It serves as the structural, thermal, moisture, and vapor barrier, not only for the building occupants, but nearly all other systems and assets housed within the facility. With this criticality in mind, NAVFAC Atlantic Public Works Facilities Maintenance and Sustainment (FM&S) personnel conducted two sessions of a newly developed Roof Assessment training course for NAVFAC Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) in November. Students in both Sigonella, Italy and Rota, Spain learned basic roof technology and sustainment strategies for common roof types in EURAFSWA region buildings. The course also covered fall protection essentials, roof condition definitions, UNIFORMAT II asset classification, and how to The Atlantic Observer
perform inventory updates in MAXIMO. The training included site visits so students could observe roof conditions first-hand. The purpose of the training is not to produce roof experts in a two-anda-half day course, but rather to teach students how to safely and efficiently assess a roof, identify potential defects, correctly assign a Direct Condition Rating (DCR), and determine when to contact a subject matter expert (SME) to assist in developing detailed roofing repair strategies. More than fifty students participated in the two training sessions. Facility Maintenance Specialists (FMS) and architects trained alongside engineers and Seabees. Attendees included staff
from offices across the EURAFSWA area if responsibility. “The course was truly useful training for our PWDs,” said David Bienvenue, EURAFSWA Asbestos program manager, who coordinated the course. “It was well received and everyone gained significantly from it.” The training was the culmination of a larger two-year Roof Asset Management Program (RAMP) EURAFSWA engaged LANT FM&S to help impleRAMP, continued pg. 27
Lunch with the Commander Get to know your admiral, so he can get to know you better! The monthly lunches have been a major success - where have you been? It’s your chance to be in the know and make recommendations. Just ask a recent attendee:
Sign up today for one of the monthly lunches by contacting Jim Brantley, NAVFAC Public Affairs Officer, x8005 or james.brantley@navy.mil.
“In addition to one of the most enjoyable lunches I have attended, lunch with the Admiral was an excellent way to learn the mindset and priorities of our leadership. The Admiral’s priorities and concern for those under his command not only built my confidence in the command leadership, but inspired me to believe that entrenched obstacles can be overcome.” – Deanna Rees, Marine Resources
21
STILL SERVING
The NAVFAC Vision is straightforward: We are the facilities technical and business experts with the total trust and confidence of the Navy and Marine Corps. These experts come from a variety of backgrounds, often from the very commands we now support as an integrated, dynamic enterprise. This past Veterans Day, we took a look at the stories of many professionals who hung up their uniforms, only to come back for more as civil servants. years later, they are #StillServing:
JEAN DUMLAO Jean Dumlao has lived a life of service. A 1986 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Dumlao would go on to serve 20 years on active duty as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer, in various capacities in the Public Works, Construction and Environmental Management fields. Her numerous personal awards include selection as Naval Air Station Jacksonville's Military Woman of the Year in 1990 while serving as Officer in Charge of Construction Battalion Unit 410. Following her retirement, she quickly rose through the ranks of civil service becoming the head of NAVFAC Atlantic's Public Works business line, one of the most senior women at the command. In 2012, Ms. Dumlao was awarded the Federal Asian Pacific American Council Civilian Award for Excellence in Individual Leadership Achievement (DON GS11-15 category), and is also a recipient of the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. The choice to "stay Navy" was strategic and filled with purpose: "The U.S. Navy has been a big part of my family, life and career, and I am a lifelong patriot. As I was planning retirement from active duty, I explored several career options and coming back to the Navy as a Deputy Public Works Officer at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) was a great fit for me. Working as a civil service employee has allowed me to continue to serve our Navy and nation. It is also very rewarding working with the many great professionals and teammates of NAVFAC."
PAIGE FLORES Paige Flores is one of these hard-charging types, still serving a member of our Environmental business line, Paige is a proud 20-year U.S. Navy Veteran and says she has a heart for servitude and that led her to a second career as a Federal employee, one that fills her with as much satisfaction as her time in uniform: "I serve because I am a part of the bigger picture -NAVFAC the world over, supporting our important mission of service to the warfighter. I still serve because NAVFAC is a great place to work."
The Atlantic Observer
CHRISTINA FOX Christina Fox followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the U.S.Navy. Right out of boot camp, she got father-daughter duty to enjoy Key West as her first duty station. Going on to become a Signalman, Christina would finish her military time on a west coast ship. Though she would hang up her uniform in 2002, Christina wasn’t quite ready to leave the military behind. Just as the Navy had, civil service provided her a chance to move up the ranks in our transportation department: “In June 2012 I started working (at the) NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Transportation Department in Norfolk. Then in August 2016 I was hired to work at NAVFAC Atlantic where I am responsible for the Federal Motor Vehicle Registration System (FMVRS) and transportation management support to facilities engineering commands and other customers. NAVFAC has given me many opportunities and challenges to grow.”
BRUCE GREEN For some, service is the family business. Our Bruce Greene is one such person. Before coming to NAVFAC Atlantic, Bruce was a United States Air Force Master Sergeant. Today he's still serving as a Certified Federal Fleet Administrator within our busy transportation division which runs a lot like a family, too -- a family always on the run, always working together! As for the Air Force, Bruce's son recently followed him into service and is a Senior Airman Reservist at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. Bruce says the reason he does his work is in line with our command's concept of operations: "I still serve to be part of something bigger, to support the warfighter."
RYAN HALL Ryan Hall, Information Technology Manager here at NAVFAC Atlantic, is a Veteran of both the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. Following a cumulative 16 years in uniform, he's followed it up with another 17 years of service as a Federal employee, overseeing major projects in our Command Information Office. For him, the choice was a no-brainer: "It was the same as when I was on active duty, a real privilege to keep serving my country. As a civilian I got a chance to keep doing what I was trained to do, but I stayed because NAVFAC has continued to offer opportunities and challenges allowing me to grow within my career field. NAVFAC is just a great place to work!" 23
BRAEDEN MILLER You might say Braeden Miller was born for service. His mom's civil service career spanned more than three decades and his dad was a Sailor before him, retiring after 23 years before serving another 15 years with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Navy Judge Advocate General. Braeden himself served four years in the U.S. Navy as a sonar tech aboard the now decommissioned USS Connolly where he once met former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Boorda. Following his time in uniform, he spent six years as a Defense contractor working in the field of sonar and weapons systems before coming back to work with the Navy as a Natural Resources Specialist. Today he is still serving, working on unexploded ordnance programs as well as National Environmental Policy Act initiatives as they apply to range sustainment. The work is extremely important to the Navy's drive to be environmentally conscious while simultaneously ensuring the service maintains readiness. Braeden's passion for the work is his birthright - both of his grandfathers served during WWII, one of whom was aboard USS Hornet (CV 8) when she was sunk by Japanese torpedoes. After rescue, his grandfather was immediately reassigned to a new ship a week later so that he could get back into the fight: "With a legacy like this, how could I not want to serve and support our warfighters? I guess it's in my blood and I'm extremely proud of it."
STEVE ROBERTSON Who says a career in government is boring? No one at NAVFAC Atlantic, least of all our Steve Robertson! Following a 25-year career in the United States Air Force, Steve began a second career as a civil servant, dividing his time between the U.S. Navy and Air Force. He takes on a challenge most of us don't want -BUGS! He parlayed his job on active duty as a pest management expert into serving as one of our staff entomologists, studying the natural world's misunderstood creatures. Beyond what he offers to research, Steve is serving as an educator, schooling kids on the magic of bugs or challenging his colleagues each National Chocolate Covered Insect Day to snack on beetles, crickets and other treats (seriously, it's a thing). Still, Steve says it's people, not bugs that make his job a blast:
"While in the Air Force, I served with extraordinary people every day. There were long hours, deployments, TDYs, endless training and exercises, and move after move, but no matter what was thrown at us, we always had each other's backs and the mission always got accomplished. Working as a civil servant here at NAVFAC is a great way to continue to serve and I still get to work alongside extraordinary people. Plus, it's just fun to work here! Completing tasks gives a sense of accomplishment, but it's the people that make it memorable and fun!" The Atlantic Observer
LANA TAYLOR A management analyst in our Public Works business line, Lana Taylor says she has been a Seabee her whole life. Right after bootcamp in the 80s, Lana finished "A" school and became a true "Alfa Dog," a Construction Mechanic in the Seabees— Without the pride, the rest don't ride! Her work included deployments to Iraq where it was her job to keep convoys rolling. That drive led to a desire to stay in the U.S. Navy family. Lana's civilian career has been almost entirely with NAVFAC. Still serving after three decades, the choice was simple: "Coming to NAVFAC was coming home. It kept me with my Seabees. This is my comfort zone, I'm really satisfied by the fact that my work sees me always driving something, always fixing something, just like when I was in uniform. It's just the right fit."
Thank you for your service!
NAVFAC E NG INEERING OUTREACH : STEM di spl a y s f o r H a m p t o n R o a ds k ids Kristin Brennan, Capital Improvements
With an eye toward expanding career interests in engineering for Hampton Roads students, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic and NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic supported Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic (CNRMA) by participating in two targeted Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Laboratories engagements this year. The two NAVFAC organizations responded by hosting women-run engineering booths at the 2017 Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show September 15 and again at the Naval Station Norfolk Fleet Fest
Learning, and having a good time doing it. Volunteers Cmdr. Lakeeva Gunderson, Eileen Nave, Sarah McGinnis, Susan Hauser and Paige Flores, flank one of their students inside the NAVFAC booth at Naval Station Norfolk Fleet Fest Oct. 20.
October 20, in conjunction with the base’s centennial celebration. The events included participation from private and public schools across Hampton Roads. Susan Hauser, Deputy Assistant Operations Officer, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic, coordinated the engineering booth effort
this year with the help of Cmdr. Lakeeva Gunderson, Assistant Operations Officer, who organized the active duty Navy participation. The idea was to put together a group of female engineers, both civilian and military, to demonstrate STEM, continued pg. 27 25
UPDATING A LEGACY
Tri-service team takes on overhaul of industry staple
Kristin Brennan, Program Manager, MILCON & NATO & Joe Woliver, Geotechnical Branch Manager
the NAVFAC Criteria branch, the The project team kicked off The NAVFAC Design Manuals, or the “DM” series as they are commonly Army Corps of Engineers, and the Air this project in October 2017 and Force, this manual will soon be getting anticipates the final document to known, were developed back in the a major overall and become a Tribe issued September 2019. The 1970s, shortly after the Bureau of Service criteria document. Tri-Service team three NAVFAC Yards and Docks was re-organized NAVFAC contracted National professionals—Kristin Brennan, into Naval Facilities Engineering Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Jeffrey Singer, and David Rediger, all Command. The series of manuals Capital Improvements Geotechnical covered the entire scope of NAVFAC’s to put together a team of individuals from academia and geotechnical Engineers. facility engineering responsibilities. Joining them in this effort are The geotechnical series, James Sauceda known as DM-7, (USACE), Dr. Robert compiled decades Dinan (AFCEC), of geotechnical Jiqiu Yaun (NIBS), research and practical Prof. Thomas L. experience from Brandon (Virginia notable sources into Tech), Dr. Robert an easy to follow Bachus (Geosyntec), engineering manual. Dr. John Rice (Utah This manual quickly State University), Dr. became an important Daniel VandenBerge and foundational (Tennessee Tech), Mr. reference for Richard J. Valentine the geotechnical (R.J. Valentine, engineering profession Consulting Engineers), and has been a staple Prof. Matthew reference for engineers Members of the Tri-Service team working on a new soil Mauldon (Virginia taking the licensure mechanics document serving as an industry reference. Tech), and Dr. exams to become a Bernardo Castellanos practice to author the updated Professional Engineer. (Virginia Tech). document. The update is expected The manual was converted to a The members are excited to to take two years and will include a Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) be a part of updating this legacy Tri-Service Geotechnical community document, known as UFC 3-220geotechnical document and hope it review as the update is underway. 10N, “Soil Mechanics,” but was will continue to be a valuable resource The document will lose the not updated. Despite the antiquated outdated typewriter format and will be to practitioners throughout the world. formatting and minimal updates modernized into the new UFC format. Now that the Tri-Service has started (last made in 1986), this document the process of updating DM 7.01, The most beloved and essential parts remains relevant and is still used by they are looking into the future for the of the document like the chapter military, civilian, academia, students, updates of the other two publications geotechnical engineering practitioners topics, best practices, correlation, in the reference suite—DM 7.02, tables and graphs will remain, but and researchers today. The document Foundations and Earth Structures it will receive a facelift to make the contains useful correlations not found reference easier to read and reproduce. and DM 7.03, Soil Dynamics, in other references. Many of these The best practices this document is Deep Stabilization, and Special correlations are referenced in other Geotechnical Construction.▪ known for will be updated to include publications and ongoing research. current and upcoming technology. With support and funding from The Atlantic Observer
RAMP, continued from pg. 20
ment them. The larger RAMP program helps ensure smartly spending limited CNIC facility sustainment funds in support of Supported Commander missions. Eric Heinbach, Senior Industrial Engineer, recently returned to LANT FM&S after serving three years as EURAFSWA FM&S PL Director. He brought with him first-hand knowledge of RAMP benefits to the field. “We knew about the RAMP concept from past LANT PW roofing SME support efforts, and were able to pull together region funds for a region-wide initiative,” said Heinbach. In all, specialized inspections were performed for more than 500 roofs across the EURAFSAWA region. Reports were developed for each site, and updated roof conditions and repair strategies were provided for use in programming repair projects. “Validating the accuracy of and providing updates to the inventory are a major part of the program,” noted Heinbach. In addition to hands-on training effort, the training team distributes a Roof Assessment Manual and companion Handbook to each student. This permanent reference enables each PWD to do their own future roof assessments. LANT Public Works FM&S plans to adapt these technical resources during FY18 for use across the enterprise. “RAMP, including training and technical manuals, can be applied to any region,” said Dave Gillikin, LANT FM&S Product Line Director. “RAMP is critical to installations and regions interested in targeting project investments towards condition-based requirements and maximizing impact with Supported Commander facility sustainment funds. We’re certainly interested in engaging with our other FECs to establish something similar to ensure Navy shore facilities remain available to serve the Navy’s diverse mission.”▪
– Ryan is the lead course instructor
Mark your calendars for March 13, 2018! In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Special Emphasis Program (SEP) Women’s Subcommittee will host a special seminar next March. The event, entitled “Taking Your Career to the Next Level,” is open to all NAVFAC employees!
Susan Hauser Deputy Assistant Operations Officer, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic, shows one of the students at the Naval Station Norfolk Fleet Fest Oct. 20 how to take the reins as a project team leader. (Photos by JC Kreidel)
STEM, continued from pg. 25
that women can have a rewarding career in the engineering field, and in particular, at NAVFAC. “Community involvement is important to many of the STEM volunteers,” said Hauser. “Because women remain a minority in the engineering field, volunteers felt it was important to actively demonstrate to young students that there is a demand for women in engineering. NAVFAC remains committed to providing such opportunities, whether as a civil servant or through a military career.” This year, the women’s engineering booth had an engineering activity that engaged students in project management, design and construction. In addition, students learned teamwork, listening skills and leadership. Divided into teams, the students would first volunteer a project manager to lead their efforts. The project manager—who was able to see a constructed structure built of toothpicks and gumdrops, while the rest of the team was not—led each team in designing and constructing a replica of the original structure. Students were asked to find ways to improve the strength of the structure, with many showing amazing creativity, deviating from the original design and adding original design elements. As the structures were built of gumdrops, some students were concerned about taking home their efforts for a snack later; however, they also took with them newfound skills. It takes a team to build things! In addition to the hands-on activity, NAVFAC representatives offered enrichment materials for the teachers and chaperones to take back to the classroom. More than 500 students passed through the booths at both events.▪ 27
Length of Service Awards
James Affeldt
Karin Alphin
Rene Ama
Lillie Castro
Emil Consolacion
Mitch Cooperman
Nicole Cross
Brian Derby
Iris Gholston
David Gillikin
Terry Hinton
Orlando Johnson
25 years
15 years
10 years
20 years
The Atlantic Observer
35 years
30 years
10 years
20 years
40 years
30 years
30 years
10 years
Thank you for your service!
Robert Kemether
Nicholas Kent
Jaime Koons
Dale Lester
George Nelson
Khoi Nguygen
Linda Pressler
Robert Race
Sharon Robertson
25 years
20 years
15 years
Lawrence Trueworthy 15 years
15 years
35 years
15 years
15 years
10 years
30 years
Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic enjoyed handing out Length of Service awards to the command’s hard-working professionals this past quarter. He looks forward to hearing more about the projects our team is involved in -- look for him at the next presentation in your spaces! 29
welcome aboard Shelli A. Anderson
Courtland S. Emerson
Hayden F. Bassett
Brock J. Frey
Community Planner (AM22) Archeologist (EV54)
Wesley J. Bauman
Electrical Engineer (NCC - Portsmouth, Va.) Mechanical Engineer (CI43)
Brenda L. Griffin
Natasha L. Morgan
Financial Management Analyst (FM34)
Arick L. Scott
Financial Management Analyst (FM38)
Brandi M. Smith
Environmental Engineer (EV11)
Human Resources Specialist (LER) (BD33)
Financial Management Analyst (FM13)
Bradley N. Borer
Todd M. Haggard Realty Specialist
Jason A. Speicher
Automotive Transportation Specialist (PW75)
(AM1)
Quandra L. Brinkley
Christine A. Huggins
Thomas A. Cloud, Jr.
Luke C. Kirby
Human Resources Assistant (BD 32) Contract Specialist INTERN (Courtesy SW)
Anita K. Cope
Community Planner (AM21)
Crystal S. Craig
Human Resources Specialist (LER) (BD33)
Supervisory Accountant (FM1)
Support Services Specialist (BD4)
(EV42) Biologist EV42 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Dallas R. Wilkerson
Financial Management Analyst (FM32)
Tiana M. Wright
Equipment Specialist (NCC - Portsmouth, Va.)
James J. Long
General Engineer (PW1)
Linda J. Moore
We’re glad you’re here!
Supervisory Accountant (FM38)
Bra vo Z ulu! Recognition for a job well done Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, Commander, NAVFAC Atlantic, recently got a chance to present command coins to two stellar performers in the Financial Management Business Line. Tisha McFadden was cited for her instrumental role reconciling CIP projects while Stephanie Simmons earned kudos for taking the lead on field level journal vouchers. Both are FM interns and will graduate the program in 2018. The Atlantic Observer
Click here to print this page without advertiseme
If you have a pop-up blocker, disable it or override it by holding the Ctrl button when
Printing tips: You might find adjusting the page setup on your computer (changing the margins, header/footer, landsca printout for some puzzles.
JUMBLE
OR, you can go back and change your puzzle settings to change the grid size, font size, or reposition the
Create a new word search
MAKE YOUR OWN WORKSHEETS ONLINE @ WWW.ATOZTEACHERSTUFF.COM
DPMAP
NAME:_______________________________ DATE:________
DoD Performance Management and Appraisal Program
DPMAP
A M E X C E L L E N C E L Z U O S H D H
L G M Z E R S Z C L H H I Q V I E L G P
O S I C K O P H N W B S D R A D N A T S
B D S C R O E N A G O A U U Y C Y P Q K
Y R S R N B C I M J W F V D E G A G N E
ACHIEVABLE APPRAISAL CREDIBLE DIVERSITY ENGAGED EVALUATION EXCELLENCE MEASURABLE
T A I E O J I E R R D O U E T U L I T N
S Y W E O N D I W N E C F I U Q O F C F C J O C N E N M I I O H H D S A M V F Z
T R U B E T C L R W C R M L M I C P V Y
I B I L R I N Z E M A E A C V I W A H N
T F B E S V S P P P A S S E B M C C O Y
N V W R H E A X S S I S R X Q T R I Q Q
A H J L I S R N U A T S K K I N T Y T U
MISSION OBJECTIVES OWNERSHIP PERFORMANCE QUALITY QUANTITY RATING RELEVANT
U N P A P P A R R R I R L M L A H C T A
Q D S I Z R A P A T O C E N U V U W C L
U A Q S T B P T Y W C L B L A E W U E I
Z C W X M D T E L A A G E E B A M Y J T Y N T V A D X E T S L E Q E V T P S T Y
M T W G F B X C I Y E T E K N V M G D B E F A H T G M N O I R T P A H R E R E H
RESPECT REWARDS SPECIFIC STANDARDS STRATEGIC TEAMWORK TIMELY TRANSPARENT
HOW TO SOLVE: Find the words below in the puzzle. Each word appears only once, and can be backwards, forwards, horizontal, vertical or diagonal. 31
The Atlantic Observer