Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAFAC) Washington awarded Lt. Cmdr. Walter Sibley the Meritorious Service Medal during a ceremony held at the Washington Navy Yard, April 13.

Sibley was recognized for his exceptional leadership, technical expertise and untiring effort while serving as NAVFAC Washington program manager and operational support officer for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Headquarters renovation project.

"I am elated and honored to be presented and receive such high recognition as the Meritorious Service Medal," said Sibley. "I am pleased with the outcome of the project and can say we accomplished the mission."

In the immediate aftermath of the tragic Washington Navy Yard shooting in September 2013, Sibley led multiple acquisition and technical teams through complex contract scope development and negotiation sessions. He spearheaded the $62 million design-build project in support of the NAVSEA headquarters renovation just 60 days after approval.

Sibley skillfully directed his team through numerous challenges during construction operations, integrating multiple contracts and ensuring delivery of quality construction in just 12 months, within budget.

"The past several months were challenging for not only me but for my exceptional staff who worked hard to manage the multiple on-going projects," said Sibley. "Their exceptional efforts and attention to detail, day-in and day-out on every topic no matter how big or small or routine, provided the success to the projects."

The renovation project applied distinct design features to achieve the overall objective of changing the building's "sense of place" to mitigate the emotional impacts for the returning workforce. The renovation project included an improved way finding system and associated color scheme as well as new office cubicles with ergonomically adjustable work surfaces and small coat closet lockers. A remembrance area was built in the atrium where the main entry previously existed. The area provides a peaceful, private area to commemorate the fallen and accommodate personal reflection. In addition to increasing overall building capacity from 2,873 to 3,194 seats, the project also achieved an 18 percent reduction in energy consumption and associated utility costs.

Despite the tremendous pressure to get the job done, safety was never compromised. More than 175 contractors put in more than 320,000 work hours with zero lost time mishaps.

"The success of projects can be measured by different categories such as safety, quality, schedule, and budget, which were all met or exceeded," said Sibley. "Thanks to my chain of command for placing their trust in me to lead the multiple projects and thanks to my hard working staff for the exceptional efforts provided to accomplish the renovation and restoration projects. We together, partnering with the contractor, were able to provide more justification to the Seabee saying "the difficult we do at once and the impossible will take a little longer."

Sibley joined the U.S. Navy in January 2001. He was commissioned in June 2001 following Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering Construction Management.

He is Seabee Combat Warfare qualified and a registered professional engineer in the state of Michigan. His decorations include the Presidential Support Badge, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/.