Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) leadership named Cmdr. Frank Bennett as a winner of the Outstanding Performance Award during an NAE Air Board video teleconference, November 9.

Bennett was recognized for his contributions to naval aviation during his time at Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., as the Wing Maintenance Officer. As the lead maintenance officer for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, he provided direction and oversight for all maintenance and logistical efforts. Since being nominated for the award, Bennett has transitioned to support the NAE in a new capacity as a requirements officer at OPNAV N98, Air Warfare.

During his tenure at the fighter wing, Bennett and his team streamlined processes across manning, training, maintenance, supply, safety and combat readiness. According to the letter of appreciation signed by Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Forces, Bennett's active oversight was critical in managing a $1.7 billion operating budget that supported the transition of three squadrons and 95 aircraft and that completed more than 600 in-service repairs, depot events and modifications.

Additionally, Shoemaker wrote that Bennett's "direct interaction with Commander, Naval Air Forces and the F/A-18 Program Office enabled leadership to make timely and accurate decisions, optimizing the readiness posture of the F/A-18 community." His efforts additionally advanced the introduction of the Joint Strike Fighter to the fleet.

According to Bennett, the biggest value of the award is the recognition it gives his F/A-18 team. "The Sailors are being recognized for making a difference," he explained. "Maintenance, supply, industry and engineering are working together to solve problems to improve readiness."

NAE leaders praised Bennett for his ability to work across partners, a necessity for the success of any enterprise. Bennett explained that the NAE is important because it provides a holistic approach to looking at naval aviation. "Bringing together all stakeholders provides an opportunity to understand constraints or provide lessons learned to be shared across all entities," he said. "With three-star leadership actively involved, action items receive the necessary attention."

He added that, "I would share that the NAE is committed to improving Naval Aviation. While we may be experiencing budget challenges, ideas are free. If you have something that can make a positive impact, bring it up. "

The Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) is a cooperative partnership of Naval Aviation stakeholders focused on sustaining required current readiness and advancing future warfighting capabilities at best possible cost. It is comprised of Sailors, Marines, civilians and contractors from across service branches and organizations, working together to identify and resolve readiness barriers and warfighting degraders.

For more information about the Naval Aviation Enterprise, please visit www.nae.navy.mil

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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