Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) leadership named Capt. Mike Van Gheem a winner of the Outstanding Performance Award during an NAE Air Board video teleconference May 15.

Van Gheem was recognized for his role as the director of aircraft material and engineering for Commander, Naval Air Forces, as well as his role in the NAE.

"My job is to resource both Navy and U.S. Marine Corps squadrons with aircraft, engines and material in accordance with the Fleet Response Plan standards," Van Gheem said. "I also participate in all NAE reviews and briefings, strengthening the collaboration and those ties between the provider organizations and the fleet customers."

Van Gheem's leadership resulted in superior readiness of deployed air wings, squadrons and aircraft, according to a letter of appreciation signed by Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

"Your hands-on scheduling was instrumental in the execution of over $1 billion annually of aircraft depot maintenance funds for aircraft and engine depot level maintenance," wrote Shoemaker in the letter of appreciation. "Your wise counsel was valued by senior leadership throughout the enterprise and was in line with the vision of 'the right readiness at the right time at the right cost.'"

During Van Gheem's tenure, he led significant material and engineering efforts across numerous aircraft communities, including the F/A-18A-D Hornet, the F/A-18E-F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler communities.

"You directed depot priorities for scheduling and repair of the entire legacy Hornet inventory and managed the required engineering services to return these valuable assets to service," Shoemaker wrote. "Additionally, your efforts ensured that the readiness and combat capability investments made in the Super Hornet and Growler communities would have a lasting impact on the reliability and sustainability of these aircraft."

Upon receiving the award, Van Gheem expressed that the NAE contribution he is most proud of is "creating and fostering those relationships and agreements to improve and advance each type model series aircraft's safety, reliability, and capability."

Van Gheem said if he could share one thing about the NAE with others, he would want them to understand the NAE is not a separate organization but is an effort among members of the Naval Aviation community.

"I don't see the NAE as a separate physical entity, but an understanding and effort to communicate and collaborate across all elements of the Naval Air Force team - operators, providers, resource sponsors, etc. - to align our efforts collectively toward achieving RFT - Ready for Tasking aircraft and aircraft carriers that can go in harm's way in support of our nation."

The NAE Air Board, composed of leaders partnering to pursue the best interests of Naval Aviation, recognizes typically one Sailor, Marine or civilian employee each month for his or her outstanding enterprise-centric contributions to Naval Aviation. Award winners serve as positive examples of the enterprise approach at work. They routinely illustrate a commitment to the NAE principles of process improvement, a willingness to challenge assumptions, a focus on effectiveness and efficiency and a commitment to the greater good of Naval Aviation.

Naval Aviation leaders have distributed the monthly NAE Outstanding Performance Award since 2008 to promote a culture of cost-wise readiness. For a full listing of monthly award winners since 2008, visit www.nae.navy.mil. For more information, contact the NAE at nae@navy.mil.

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