Page 5 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, May 2020

4 May 2020 spotlight http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt news Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 5
May 2020
Thunderbolt
http://www.luke.af.mil
www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
F-35 joint program office honored with

2020 SecDef Environmental Award

Staff agencies Senior Airman volunteers, Secretary of the Air Force accomplishments will have a positive and lasting Luke AFB Oasis Dinner
announce first Public Affairs impact on the safety of our Airmen, the community
and the environment.”
quarter awards aids veterans amidst COVID-19 Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health compounds. The team was also recognized for its
Hazards are not limited to exposure to chemical
WASHINGTON — The F-35 Joint Program Office’s
Team was recognized as a 2020 Secretary of Defense impressive acoustic data analysis, that monitors
The following individuals re- Story and photo by mick said. “One day I want to retire from Environmental Award winner April 22, for the Envi- community noise around installations to determine
ceived quarterly awards: Senior Airman the Air Force, and I hope that once I get ronmental Excellence in Weapon System Acquisition maintainer and cockpit pilot noise exposure levels. The
56th Fighter Wing LEALA MARQUEZ out I can find someone who will help me in the large program category. analysis helped inform recommendations on hearing
The Environmental, Safety and Occupational
protection options for all current users of F-35 aircraft.
staff agencies 56th Fighter Wing if I need it.” Health Team received the honor for its actions to Other Environmental, Safety and Occupational
The veterans he has helped shared
Airman: Airman 1st Class During the coronavirus pandemic, the sentiment and felt it was important eliminate hazards associated with the production, Health Team actions included implementing the
Michael Ruhe, 56th Fighter Wing many people have found a desire to for military members to take care of operation and maintenance of the F-35 Lightning II. elimination of 21 tons of volatile organic compound
Judge Advocate volunteer their talents to help others. each other. One of the team’s most prominent accomplish- internal aircraft coating, as well as other regulated
NCO: Staff Sgt. Tayler Curtis, Senior Airman Montana McCormick, “We’ve got to give back to where we ments was its work in eliminating hazardous heavy emissions, at a production facility in California.
56th FW Chapel 56th Force Support Squadron lead came from,” said James Carvar, retired metals traditionally employed in aircraft for protec- Actions also included the implementation of a
Senior NCO: Master Sgt. Justin recreational specialist, began helping Marine Corps aviation ordnance. “I tion against equipment wear and corrosion. facility-wide lighting upgrade project at an F-35 as-
Stephens, 56th FW Inspector the community around Luke through went to boot camp in 1993 and now During the achievement period, the Environmen- sembly facility in Texas, that resulted in brighter work
General the Instant Hands assistance app. we’re in 2020. To me it’s just giving back tal, Safety and Occupational Health Team tested and lighting and significantly more efficient electricity use.
Company grade officer: Capt. He has volunteered his time to help to the ones that served before us.” implemented a new zinc-nickel plating alternative These efforts not only reduced environmental, Airman Tyler Jansen
Seth Cross, 56th FW IG people move, trim trees, do yard work McCormick explained that COVID-19 that will completely remove cadmium plating from safety and occupational health exposures, but also Airman 1st Class Jack Hodnett, 56th Medical Support
Field grade officer: Maj. Jus- and more. has changed the way he’s operating, F-35 aircraft production and hexavalent chromium streamlined the production process, significantly Squadron resource management technician, practices
tina Hooper, 56th FW JA “About three months ago, I saw a sign including how he transfers money and plating from all F-35 external coatings. The team is reduced associated labor hours and optimized mis- social distancing April 13 while attending the Oasis din-
Civilian (Category I): Char- that said ‘help your neighbor out’,” Mc- communicates electronically, but has Senior Airman Montana McCormick, 56th Force Sup- also on track to eliminate all remaining hexavalent sion capabilities. ner at Luke Air Force Base. The Oasis hosted the event
lene Lucero, 56th Comptroller Cormick said. “I signed up and started not changed his desire to help those port Squadron lead recreational specialist, trims a tree chromium uses, such as fuel tank and support equip- The Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards outside to continue serving the Airmen free meals, while
Squadron doing these jobs here and there.” in need. in Avondale. McCormick regularly volunteers in the ment primers and coatings. honor installations, teams and individuals for out- adhering to preventive health measures. The Oasis is a
Civilian (Category II): Rich- McCormick explained the work “It’s definitely rewarding,” he said. communities surrounding Luke Air Force Base. Luke “I couldn’t be more proud of this team’s innova- standing conservation achievements, innovative en- chapel-sponsored helping organization for dorm Airmen
ard McManus, 56th FW Public brought him the rewarding feeling of “When you go to someone’s house, you employs more than 6,900 active-duty and Reserve tive approaches to eliminating environmental, vironmental practices and partnerships that improve that provides a safe and open environment for Airmen to
Affairs helping those in need while also en- help them out, and the joy it brings members, and civilian employees who dedicate their safety and occupational health hazards,” said Mark quality of life and promote efficiencies that support, connect and bond through various activities, to include
Civilian (Category III): An- abling him to meet local veterans. them, once you finish the job, makes time to Luke’s mission while also supporting the com- Correll, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force without compromising, the Defense Department’s providing home-cooked meals.
thony Avitable, 56th FW JA “It’s like paying it forward,” McCor- you feel really good.” munity. for environment, safety and infrastructure. “Their mission success.

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