JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Members of the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron's Asset Management Flight here strive to personify the Wing's vision of "Vigilant and precise Airmen making a global impact."
This dedication has not gone unnoticed, as the flight was recently named the Air Force's top performing AMF when they won the 2012 Maj. Gen. Del R. Eulberg Award for Outstanding Air Force CE Asset Management Flight.
"There were some extraordinary things we did in 2012," said Lynn Hancsak, Chief of the 11 CES AMF." This is truly one of the best group of people I've ever worked with. Not only are they hard-working and motivated, but they will go the extra mile when they see opportunities to make a difference. There is a real pride in our group."
The award focuses on three key areas: Environmental, Asset Optimization and Capital Assets. The AMF's work in the environmental area was of particular note.
"We not only won the best asset management, we won the award for best team National Environmental Policy Act," said Steve Richards, Environmental flight chief. "We did a lot of groundbreaking, 'first-in-the-Air-Force' storm water work."
In addition to reducing potentially harmful runoff sediments that flow into the Chesapeake Bay, the environmental team has worked to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from Andrews by more than 14 tons, Richards said, ensuring Andrews leaves a light impact on the environment while also allowing room for more flying missions to come here.
"Our goal here is to be ahead of compliance," Richards said. "We are ahead of it, and we are staying ahead of it."
In the area of optimization, the AMF conducted energy audits which identified ways to reduce consumption. The results of the audits paved the way for 14 energy-efficiency projects which are projected to save Andrews $1M per year in energy costs, he said.
The Air Force is also seeking to reduce its environmental footprint by consolidating space. Many of the older, energy-hogging structures on base were constructed with materials now known to be hazardous, such as asbestos and lead-based paint.
"We combined different offices and are in the process of demolishing 493,000 square feet of old buildings which will shrink the Air Force footprint by 22 percent," said Hancsak. "The old headquarters building (1535) is a large part of it, as well as a lot of older family housing units that weren't energy efficient and were falling apart."
While many of the ways CE has reduced Andrews' environmental impact are complex and innovative, others were as simple as changing a light bulb.
"Our family housing and dormitory management had a project where they installed energy efficient lighting in the dorms," Hancsak said. "In the first quarter, these improvements saved $6,000 in energy costs."
Hancsak said the AMF's collaboration of efficiency projects, from the lighting improvements to installing modern heating and air conditioning units in buildings throughout the base will continue to benefit the Air Force for years to come, freeing up funds to continue its global mission.
"I'm extremely proud of the Airmen in our Asset Management Flight," said Lt. Col. Mike Zuhlsdorf, 11 CES commander. "The hard work they do every day exemplifies the manner in which every member of the 11th Wing contributes to our Joint Base Andrews global mission."