Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) leadership named Marine Col. AJ Manuel winner of the Outstanding Performance Award during a NAE Air Board video teleconference Sept. 14.

Manuel was recognized for his work as the Weapons Support Department head and Marine liaison officer at Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS). In his role, he directly influenced readiness and strengthened mission success of the NAE, according to the letter of appreciation signed by Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, deputy commandant for aviation.

Under Manuel's guidance, the Marine Corps teams at NAVSUP WSS generated $1.2 billion in Navy Working Capital Fund repairs and procurement obligations. He executed a successful AV-8B Harrier sustainment strategy, which reduced backorders by 50 percent and allowed continuation of the program well beyond its projected life cycle. Manuel promoted strategic partnerships by conducting the first annual Supply Summit in the United Kingdom, and by bringing multiple vendors together to address and resolve systemic supply support issues.

"Your proactive support of the entire NAE through your teamwork with AV-8B Harrier, V-22 Osprey and F/A-18 Hornet program offices and type/model/series (TMS) leads resulted in the seamless execution of corrective measures to resolve readiness degraders," Davis wrote. "Your collective efforts will sustain Marine Corps programs for many years into the future."

Manuel was honored to receive the award, although he noted his successes would not have been possible without his team or the support from Marine Corps leadership.

"I'm humbled to accept the award on behalf of the 'Varsity' and civilians at NAVSUP WSS," Manuel said. "Although an individual recognition, I would like to emphasize it took a total, focused team effort to accomplish our readiness goals. Additionally, I had the utmost backing from Lt. Gen. Davis and the Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation team who have given their full support to the Marines at NAVSUP WSS." "Varsity" is a term for the Navy and Marine Corps officers at NAVSUP WSS.

For Manuel, who assumed a new role with Defense Logistics Agency Aviation about two months ago, it is motivating to know his work helps improve readiness for the warfighters.

"The teaming at NAVSUP WSS was an absolute force multiplier, and to hear comments from the TMS leads who say how much NAVSUP WSS has done for them to improve material availability and improve readiness is quite satisfying," Manuel said. "The Marines in the fleet can actually tell the difference in what we do. I am motivated every day to attack the challenges we face as a Navy and Marine team, and I am glad to be part of a team of professionals who are highly focused on generating readiness."

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 http://www.nae.navy.mil. For more information, contact the NAE at nae@navy.mil.

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