The energy team of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest was recently notified that they have been selected for the Department of Energy and Federal Interagency Energy Management Task Force's 2016 Federal Energy and Water Management Award.

"I've heard about the stellar accomplishments the entire energy team has achieved and I'm extremely proud of the service they perform for the U.S. Navy and our nation," said Capt. Chris Kurgan, commanding officer of NAVFAC Northwest. Capt. Kurgan came on board as commanding officer in July of this year.

Several members of the energy team were selected for this award for their outstanding achievements in energy, water, and/or fleet management in fiscal year 2015. This division of the energy team employs education, outreach, competitions and awards to encourage awareness and efficiency in day-to-day operations at Navy Region Northwest and each naval installation in the Pacific Northwest.

Team members named for this award include Curt Hickle at Navy Region Northwest, Max McAllister at Naval Station Everett, Paul Songe-Moller and Tabitha Pierzchala at Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Magazine Indian Island, and Chris Taylor at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

"The fact that we are greatly exceeding the Navy's energy efficiency goals shows the commitment and teamwork of NBK, NAVFAC and our supported commands on the installation. It's a win for all when we are able to preserve the environment while also achieving our mission," said Capt. Tom Zwolfer, NBK commanding officer. "Congratulations and thank you to Tabitha Pierzchala and Paul Songe-Moller on leading the charge to earn the Department of Energy's Federal Energy and Water Management Award and raising the standard in Navy environmental stewardship."

Team member Phil Beste, from Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport, was selected for a Career Service award.

One of their many achievements at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Naval Base Kitsap Keyport and Naval Magazine Indian Island was the completion of upgrades to LED exterior lighting, which improved light quality and nighttime visibility while using about half of the energy of the previous high intensity discharge lighting. LED lighting has a long lamp life which saves on lamp replacement maintenance.

When their homeported carrier was deployed in 2015, Naval Station Everett personnel living in three bachelor quarters were moved into one highly efficient facility, certified LEED gold. This move allowed the two buildings to be placed into an extreme energy reduction mode.

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