Every naval installation in the Pacific Northwest received word during the week of September 23rd, that they were the recipient of the 2013 Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management awards.

“Bravo Zulu to all of Naval Base Kitsap for winning the large shore installation SECNAV Energy and Water Management Award and thanks to everyone on base for your daily efforts toward ever-improving energy efficiency and water management. Special recognition goes to our largest tenant, PSNS&IMF, and to NUWC Keyport for your individual command awards, great work. While we proudly fly the energy flag at NBK in 2013, we will recall SECNAV Maybus’ challenge to make energy and water efficiency part of our daily job,” said Capt. Tom Zwolfer, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap. Recognition at this level of excellence includes flying the SECNAV flag for one year and receipt of $45,000.

NAVFAC Northwest energy team members are located on each installation where they work hand-in-hand with each command and where all share the same goal of reducing energy costs of the Navy.

Naval Magazine Indian Island and Naval Undersea Warfare Center at Keyport each received SECNAV Platinum designation and $5,000. The money is to be used by the commanding officer for morale or energy projects. “I am proud of the hard work all of the employees put in that earned the command a Platinum level award for the second time in a row,” said Naval Magazine Indian Island commanding officer Cmdr. Michael Yesunas. “This really was a team effort. The team never stops striving to be the best in terms of environmental stewardship so being recognized for our successes in energy and water management motivates us to continue improving.”

NAVFAC provides and operates efficient, reliable utility systems to support naval operations and delivers energy initiatives that meet SECNAV goals and reduces the Navy’s total ownership costs.

“Congratulations to Naval Base Kitsap for earning this prestigious recognition and thank you to NBK and their tenant commands for understanding the importance of being good stewards of our environment,” said Jim Van Antwerp, SES, Technical Director, NUWC Division, Keyport. “NUWC Keyport is pleased to do our part in reducing energy consumption and proud of the environmentally-friendly innovations our energy team and workforce have embraced.”

NAVFAC makes decisions and executes work based on sound analysis that reinforces fiscal responsibility. Only energy projects with a strong return on investment are chosen.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and Naval Station Everett each received SECNAV Gold recognition. “NAS Whidbey Island is honored to receive this award. It recognizes the sustained efforts of Team Whidbey and demonstrates our commitment as good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. This is our 4th Gold award in addition to the five consecutive Platinum awards NAS Whidbey Island earned 2007-2011. This makes nine total awards since 2001. Team Whidbey continues to seek every opportunity to conserve energy and improve efficiency, particularly as we plan for future platforms and missions supported from NAS Whidbey Island,” said Capt. Michael Nortier, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

“The recognition PSNS & IMF and other Navy commands in our area received is a true testament to the efforts of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest and our other energy partners to identify and implement energy efficiency upgrades,” stated Captain Steve Williamson, commander, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. “I encourage our work force to seek out energy saving improvements in their work areas and across the Command. Together, as a team, we will continue to make a significant difference in energy savings for the Navy.”

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest is the Systems Command that builds and maintains sustainable facilities, delivers utilities and services, and is charged with the responsibility for developing projects that reduce energy consumption, replace energy inefficient technologies and educate active duty, civilian employees and contractor personnel about energy conservation, throughout the Pacific Northwest.