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  • EPA recognizes Air Force renewable energy efforts

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Top 50 list of Green Power Partners released this month ranks the Air Force number one in the Department of Defense and number two in the federal government for its purchase and on-site production of green power. In 2012, the Air Force used 283 million

  • Press 'one' for human

    Anonymous emails and overwhelming lists of automated options are the unfortunate norm for most customer support today.Not so at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center where customers' calls and emails are personally answered by a dedicated team in AFCEC's Reach-Back Center.As former Air Force civil

  • Air Force Earth Day 2013 emphasis on water conservation

    Every April 22, the Air Force recognizes Earth Day, a time to show support for the environment. This year, the Air Force is focusing on water reduction and reuse. Water projects may not attract many news headlines, but the money and critical resources they save, deserve attention."An emerging part

  • Air Force earns top DOD environmental awards

    Two Air Force units have been recognized as the best in the Department of Defense at being "green."The 673rd Air Base Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the 78th Civil Engineer Group, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., were among the winners of the 2013 Secretary of Defense Environmental

  • Former bases offer communities earth-friendly education opportunities

    As one of 10,000 students at Arizona State University's Poly Technic campus at the former Williams Air Force Base, Ariz., Theodore Betkie heard about the Air Force's soil cleanup at his campus. Since he knew past military operations caused some problems from fuel spills and leaks, he also had a few

  • Retired 'crew dogs' keep Norton's legacy alive

    Thanks to a group of retired Air Force C-141 "crew dogs," the legacy of Norton Air Force Base, lives on.Members of the 63rd and 445th Airlift Wing's Veterans Group were instrumental in the recent opening of the Norton Air Force Base Museum, located in the former NCO Club at the San Bernardino

  • AFCEC forges new ground in land inventory, management

    A team at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently forged new ground for the Department of Defense as they successfully reconciled a 1.5 million acre discrepancy between Air Force and Bureau of Land Management records of withdrawn public lands set aside for military use. Led by Celia Prieto and

  • Equipment reconstitution program recovers valuable EOD assets

    After a decade of service, much of the life-saving Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment is finding a new life of its own.Thanks to a program spearheaded by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center here, the deployed equipment EOD Airmen have relied on to accomplish their dangerous mission in

  • Every day is Earth Day for Endangered Species Act

    Chances are burrowing owls, fairy shrimp and desert tortoises won't be sending a card or a present, but they do owe a great debt of gratitude to the Endangered Species Act. The act turns the big 4-0 this year and during its four decades of service, few pieces of legislation have been as important to

  • Air Force Wildland Fire Center assists with Moody AFB prescribed burn

    The Air Force Wildland Fire Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., achieved a new first recently when a team from the center was used to help with controlled burns at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. What made this achievement even more notable was that the team included five members from the U.S. Forest

  • Air Force selects new Fire Chief

    The Air Force has a new top firefighter.Jim Podolske has been named chief of Fire Emergency Services, a division of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Readiness Directorate here. As the Air Force Fire Chief, Podolske will manage a force of more than 9,200 military and civilian firefighters as

  • April 2013 Energy Express

    This edition of Energy Express highlights water conservation for Earth Day, April 22. Learn how bases are reducing water consumption and saving money. Also, the Air Force has released a new Energy Strategic Plan. Read about recent energy accomplishments, the four priorities of the plan and how the

  • Closed bases give back to communities in a variety of ways

    A big unexpected outcome of base closure across the country has been the influx of charitable organizations now operating on closed Air Force bases, providing aide to the very communities most impacted by base closure. Housing for the homeless, welfare to work programs and other nonprofit

  • Enhanced Use Leases provide Air Force alternative funding

    In today's ever-tightening budget, the Air Force is looking at innovative ways to optimize resources. At the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Installations Directorate, one of those innovative ways is Enhanced Use Leases, where the service obtains value from available underdeveloped, "non-excess"

  • Old Crew Dogs Make Sure Norton's Military Legacy Stays Alive

    Thanks to a group of retired Air Force C-141 "Crew Dogs," the legacy of Norton Air Force Base, lives on. Members of the 63rd and 445th Airlift Wings Veterans Group were instrumental in the recent opening of the Norton Air Force Base Museum, located in the former NCO club at the San Bernardino

  • Mather closing in on whole base transfer

    Transforming the former Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif., to civilian use is nearly complete, bringing the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Western Region Execution Center total count of whole base transfers to four out of six. The WREC oversees the cleanup and property transfer at six

  • Innovative property transfer benefits cleanup, redevelopment at McClellan

    Early and privatized are well used buzz words for the redevelopment at former McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif.  Today, more than half the 3,400 acre base is transferred using this unique approach.Earlier this year, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Western Region Execution Center

  • Real property symposium goes virtual

    Nearly 300 Air Force personnel worldwide attended the first Air Force esymposium March 19-21, via video teleconference. Spearheaded by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Installation Center of Excellence, or ICE, the theme of the session was "Advancing Real Property Excellence." AFCEC's Real

  • New base environmental coordinator assigned at former Williams AFB, Ariz.

    In her two decades of service with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Cathy Jerrard has crisscrossed the country countless times. Her latest destination is here in Mesa where she takes over as the top environmental engineer in charge of the remaining cleanup at the redeveloped Williams AFB. Her

  • Water resource management announced as focus of Air Force Earth Day 2013

    Each year Air Force installations around the world observe Earth Day on April 22 by taking actions to enhance sustainability and support the Air Force's Earth Day theme of "Conserve Today - Secure Tomorrow."This year, the Air Force is highlighting water resource management programs, including

  • Media Release: Air Force, partners adjourn Kelly Advisory Board

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center has decided to adjourn the Restoration Advisory Board at the former Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. AFCEC made the decision after receiving input from the community and regulatory agencies during a public meeting and 30-day public comment period from

  • Air Force makes real property symposium virtual

    With a variety of technologies at its disposal, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, headquartered here, will hold a virtual world wide real property symposium, March 19 - 21. Utilizing the Air Force Institute of Technology's satellite uplink to Air Force education centers, combined with video

  • AFCEC director announces mission, vision statements

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center director announced the unit's mission and vision statements March 1.Joe Sciabica said the statements achieve another milestone in the early existence of AFCEC, which activated Oct. 1, 2012. "We've been conducting strategic planning sessions for a few months, with

  • AFCEC announces call for award nominees

    It's not an Oscar or an Emmy but for Air Force personnel who win a Federal Energy and Water Management Award, it's an honor deserving of the red carpet. "Energy is critical to the Air Force's ability to achieve our mission to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace," said Dr. Kevin Geiss,

  • Media Release: Patrick AFB seeks developer interest in real estate leasing

    The Air Force is requesting private industry input on a possible commercial real estate development project at Patrick Air Force Base's Malabar Annex in Palm Bay, Fla. The annex is managed by officials at Patrick. Under the Enhanced Use Lease Program, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center issued a

  • Media Release: JB MDL seeks developer interest in energy generation

    With New Jersey facing an increased need for energy production in the next 10 years, the Air Force is looking for developer interest in building energy generation facilities on about 500 acres of land located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center and JB MDL

  • Media Release: Air Force offers electronic submittal of F-16 EIS comments

    The Air Force is accepting public comments electronically via an email account to include in its Environmental Impact Statement analysis of the proposed move of the 18th Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.People can email comments to

  • Media Release: Ellsworth AFB seeks developer interest in leasing building

    The Air Force is requesting private industry input on a possible commercial real estate development project at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Under the Enhanced Use Lease Program, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center issued a Request for Information, RFI # AFCEC-13-R-0005, asking for private industry

  • Air Force transfers McClellan property to schools, museum

    This week, the Air Force deeded 12 acres on the former McClellan Air Force Base to the community for redevelopment. While the property has been leased to the community for several years following closure in 2001, the recorded deeds make the transfers out of federal ownership final. Los Rios College

  • Mentoring tomorrow's STEM professionals more important than ever

    For many years, various organizations and reports have sounded the alarm when it comes to the United States and its educational standing among other nations in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM. As each year passes, it seems American students fall lower and lower

  • AFCEC members win annual CE, environmental awards

    The expertise and commitment of five Air Force Civil Engineer Center members recently earned them top honors in the Civil Engineer and Environmental Awards for 2012.AFCEC winners are Col. David Reynolds, Senior Master Sgt. Gary Szekely, Richard Espiritu, Rodney Fisher and Lara Schoenenberger. Capt.

  • Top 10 Air Force Facility Energy Accomplishments of 2012

    The fiscal 2012 Annual Energy Management Report is making its way to Congress and lawmakers will likely be impressed by Air Force facility energy accomplishments. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center submitted the report to the Office of the Civil Engineer in November. It has since been sent to the

  • Air Force to hold meetings on proposed F-16 transfer

    The U.S. Air Force is holding a series of public meetings in the Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, communities to invite public comment on potential environmental impacts of a proposed transfer of an F-16 aircraft squadron.The Air Force is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement on a proposal to

  • On-the-go app makes it easier to 'Be Ready'

    Whether it's an active shooter or natural disaster, when emergencies occur, it's important to be prepared. Now, thanks to Air Force Emergency Management, there's an app for that!The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management Division here has developed an Air Force "Be Ready" mobile app,

  • Air Force announces annual Thomas D. White Environmental Awards

    Air Force officials recently announced the winners of the annual Thomas D. White Environmental Awards. The awards recognize Air Force bases conducting the best or most improved environmental programs in various categories, and the teams and individuals that contribute the most to Air Force

  • Commentary: Air Force engages industry to build partnerships

    On any given day at more than 160 installations worldwide, the Air Force is projecting airpower to protect our nation. Those installations are the platforms from which we fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.Maintaining sustainable installations is an enormous effort. Consider this:-

  • Former Reese AFB: A BRAC Best Practice

    It was once called the "Tower Plume," a three-mile underground stretch of environmental contamination at the former Reese Air Force Base, near Lubbock, Texas. Decades of cleaning solvent use while repairing airplanes at the base resulted in groundwater contamination 1,000 times the allowable level.

  • 'Early communication' makes EUL, PPA programs more successful

    Following up on a November 2012 rapid-improvement event to streamline the Air Force Enhanced Use Lease and Power Purchase Agreement programs, the Air Force turned to private industry Jan. 15 for a business partnership discussion.The talks were held during the Association of Defense Communities

  • Civil engineers meet with industry to develop partnerships

    The newly established Air Force Civil Engineer Center hosted its first industry day Jan. 15 in San Antonio.Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, the Air Force civil engineer, and Joe Sciabica, Air Force Civil Engineer Center director, addressed more than 350 industry professionals about the future of Air Force

  • Governor signs 528-acre land transfer for McClellan

    Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. approved the transfer of 528 acres of land at the former McClellan Air Force Base near Sacramento, Calif., to McClellan Business Park on Jan 7. The transfer includes a variety of industrial facilities, office buildings, and vacant land and will include privatized

  • January 2013 Energy Express

    In this month's Energy Express, the new process for Energy Savings Performance Contracts promises to shorten the implementation time frame to as little as 12 months and improve industry partnerships. In expeditionary energy-saving efforts, some minor changes are making a major difference to the

  • AFCEC to participate in Installation Innovation Forum

    Representatives from the Air Force will participate in the Association of Defense Communities Installation Innovation Forum Jan. 14-16 here at the Westin Riverwalk. The community-focused event is being held as the military strives to achieve efficiencies in a constrained budget environment. While

  • Air Force NCO named EOD instructor of the year

    An Air Force explosive ordnance disposal NCO was recently selected as 2012 Senior Instructor of the Year at the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal here.Master Sgt. Jeremiah Grisham was presented with a Navy Commendation Medal by the school commander as recognition for his performance and

  • Air Force Fire Chief leaves legacy of service

    After 46 years of service, the Air Force's top firefighter is stepping down.Donald Warner, chief of the Fire Emergency Services Division in the Air Force Civil Engineer Center Readiness Directorate at Tyndall AFB, Fla., retires Dec. 29, ending a career in firefighting that has spanned six

  • Exchange officer trains CEs, builds partnerships

    Among the Air Force and civilian personnel of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Readiness Directorate here, there is a distinctly different dark-green uniform with a maple leaf patch. Maj. David Jane is the chief of contingency training at AFCEC's Tyndall location. He's also a construction

  • New 2012 CE Almanac

    This outstanding publication is a useful resource for anyone seeking knowledge about the Air Force Civil Engineering community. It not only provides information about our vast Civil Engineer family, but captures many of our accomplishments from the previous year. And for us, 2012 has been an

  • Register by Jan. 7 for AFCEC Industry Day

    Officials at the newly established Air Force Civil Engineer Center, a field operating agency of the Air Force Civil Engineer, are planning the organization's first Industry Day Jan. 15 in San Antonio. The industry day is a way for military and industry leaders to discuss public-private collaboration

  • Air Force leaders, energy companies meet to improve contracting process

    Doing business with the U.S. government can be time consuming and complicated. That's why Air Force energy leaders suggested holding an Industry Day event here Nov. 26 to discuss improving the Energy Savings Performance Contract program. Representatives from more than 20 energy service companies and

  • Rebaselining puts everyone on the same page

    When you are comparing data, the old adage "comparing apples to apples" is important. For the Performance Measurement and Analysis Division, part of Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Energy Directorate, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., the last few years of energy intensity data has been more like

  • New renewable energy process streamlines projects

    Renewable energy projects are the buzz word throughout the Air Force, but the road from the initial idea to actual completion of a project is usually long and complicated. Simplifying the process was the goal of a recent Enhanced Use Lease/Power Purchase Agreement Rapid Improvement Event held at the

  • November 2012 Energy Express

    IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE: The Air Force changes energy baseline to compare "apples to apples."  Find out how the Office of the Secretary of Defense-approved effort affects reduction totals. Every job has its challenges. Take a look at the Air Force facility energy program's top five challenges and how

  • Top 5 challenges of the Air Force Facility Energy Program

    Energy - how to use less and create more - is a hot topic in the national news but for hundreds of Air Force civil engineers, energy conservation is more than a headline. It's a daily job with numerous mandates and goals; utility costs; data collection; excess facilities; and a complicated renewable

  • Eglin's controlled burns advance fire research

    Members of the Air Force Wildland Fire Center here joined U.S. Forest Service researchers to collect data during two prescribed fires conducted Nov. 11-12 on the Eglin Air Force Base range .Officially stood up on July 1, 2012, the Air Force Wildland Fire Center, part of the Air Force Civil Engineer

  • Air Force announces 2012 Design Award winners

    Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Byers, The Air Force Civil Engineer, announced the winners of the 2012 Air Force Design Awards Nov. 13."These winning projects represent the Air Force's continued commitment to providing quality facilities that are truly 'resource efficient' and built to last," Byers said in his

  • UPDATE: Save the date for AFCEC Industry Day

    Officials at the newly established Air Force Civil Engineer Center, a field operating agency of the Air Force Civil Engineer, are planning the organization's first Industry Day Jan. 15 in San Antonio. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center, headquartered here, is a 1,600-person civil engineer field

  • CEMIRT brings reliable power to Ascension Island

    Reliable power is everything. Without it, an isolated location in the Atlantic like Ascension Auxiliary Airfield couldn't sustain its mission or provide adequate facilities for personnel. So when the power personnel at the airfield needed an immediate backup power solution for their overworked

  • When it comes to building assessments, bundling = efficiency

    Data makes the world of Air Force real property inventory go round. To effectively manage assets across that inventory, data needs to be accurate, consistent and appropriate. But gathering it can mean multiple assessments and inventories of the same building. To facilitate the process, the Air Force

  • Air Force invests in high-efficiency lighting

    Solid-state lighting technology has the potential to reduce U.S. lighting energy usage by nearly one half and contribute significantly to our nation's climate change solutions, according to the Department of Energy. That's why the Air Force has a plan to replace all outdoor lighting with SSL, which

  • MEDIA RELEASE: Air Force seeks developers for Alaska coal plant lease

    The Air Force is requesting qualifications from private industry interested in leasing a combined heat and power plant at Clear Air Force Station, Alaska. Currently, the 22.5-megawatt coal power plant there is running below capacity and has the potential to generate more power than is needed for the

  • Air Force adopts mascot in the Win the War Against Waste campaign

    The Air Force has a new mascot to help its recycling awareness campaign and fight against solid waste.CHUCK-IT, the recycling mascot, targets children between the ages of 5 and 12 and is the latest addition to the "Win the War Against Waste" tool kit - an outreach campaign developed to support the

  • I am Air Force Energy campaign in full swing

    October, Energy Action Month, provides an opportunity to promote energy and water conservation awareness to Airmen as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy. This year's theme, 'I am Air Force Energy,' puts Airmen at the center of the campaign. The goal is to inspire the total

  • National Fire Prevention Week: Have 2 Ways Out

    He turned 61 this year, but he can still get around!Every year, Sparky the Fire Dog visits Air Force installations everywhere during National Fire Prevention Week with an important message. This year's message of "Have 2 Ways Out" focuses on the importance of planning and practicing escape

  • Air Force stands up single unit to execute global CE operations

    Air Force leaders activated a single unit that will execute the civil engineering mission worldwide during a ceremony here Oct. 1.The Air Force Civil Engineer Center, a new CE field operating agency, merges the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment and Air Force Real Property Agency,

  • Homeless find hope at closed California bases

    In California, as the temperature drops and the number of homeless people climbs, former Air Force bases around the state offer warm relief. Transitional housing is one of the many ways communities are using property on closed military bases for local benefit. These villages of hope offer the

  • Green technologies flourish at former Air Force bases

    The Air Force is going green in more ways than one. Through the use of natural techniques to clean up closed bases, the Air Force is turning those bases into environmentally friendly and energy efficient places to do business.At the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Ill., the Air Force has

  • Department of Energy recognizes Air Force conservation efforts

    The Air Force's innovative ideas and procedures for saving facility energy and aviation fuel have earned it recognition by the Department of Energy. Each year, the DOE honors individuals and organizations within the federal government that make significant contributions to the efficient use of

  • AFCESA helps bases fight rising utility costs

    The Air Force has cut facility energy use 30 percent since fiscal 1994 but utility rates have increased nearly 100 percent during the same time period. Are we fighting a losing battle? Air Force civil engineers say no, and we can't afford to give up. "We're spending $1 billion a year on utilities,"

  • Guard shows off successful facility energy program

    This article is based on a transcript of a 9-minute video. If you would like a copy, call the AFCEC ReachBack Center at 888-232-3721. To view the video, visit http://youtu.be/bO-mRmhLGw4From installation infrastructure to aviation operations, energy provides the Air Force with the power it needs to

  • Press Release: AF selects offeror for housing at Continental Group bases

    The Air Force has selected Picerne Military Housing to privatize military family housing for Continental Group bases at Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Eielson AFB, Alaska; McConnell AFB, Kan.; Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.; and Hurlburt Field, Fla.The deal, valued at a more than $545 million