Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast announced its 2016 Military and Civilian Engineers of the Year Nov. 22.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville Construction Manager Lt. Jamie Wallace and NAVFAC Southeast Environmental Business Line Program Manager John Baxter were chosen to win these most prestigious awards.

"Every year, we recognize both military and civilian engineers who stand out in their profession," said NAVFAC Southeast Commanding Officer Capt. Pat Garin. "These awards recognize Jamie and John's exceptional talent and achievements."

Award winners are selected based on their achievements and innovation in engineering over the past year. Additionally, their education, professional registration, continuing education achievements, professional and technical society activities, awards or honors, and civic and humanitarian activities are considered.

Since reporting to NAS Jacksonville two years ago, Wallace has effectively led the construction efforts and contract administration of 18 construction contracts valued at more than $68 million. Significant projects included airfield renovations, infrastructure repairs, and command and control improvements.

As construction manager of the southeast region's largest airfield renovation and repair project, at NAS Jacksonville, she oversaw airfield pavement repairs, airfield lighting replacement, parking apron expansion, and runway threshold upgrades.

Wallace was also responsible for re-energizing a stalled $4 million project to demolish a 72,600-square foot facility. The project included relocation of vital communication circuits, utility disconnects, asbestos abatement, historical preservation, and environmental mitigation.

Finally, Wallace managed an incredibly complex, $2.6 million design/build project to upgrade two generators used for critical emergency power system replacement at Commander, Navy Region Southeast headquarters.

"I was and I am completely surprised that I was selected as the NAVFAC Southeast Military Engineer of the Year," said Wallace. "I don't place myself on the same level as the many super talented and super smart NAVFAC and independent firm engineers I work with."

"I am deeply humbled and greatly honored to receive such recognition," continued Wallace. "The success of the airfield project and the receipt of this award is a direct reflection on the teamwork of the NAS Jacksonville Public Works Department and the NAVFAC Southeast family support that I am so fortunate to be a part of."

"Wallace is a superb leader who gets things done on time and on budget," said Garin. "She is an remarkable engineering officer who sets the example for others to follow."

Baxter was the recipient of the Civilian Engineer of the Year award. He has consistently established relationships with other federal and state agencies and industry stakeholders involved in environmental incident response and crisis management. These professionals have come to trust Baxter's judgment and expertise on complex environmental issues. His willingness to partner with internal and external peers and subordinates and to train and share knowledge has resulted in many successful team efforts.

Baxter successfully led a multi-agency notional oil spill response exercise which required nine months of advance planning, involved over 25 external organizations, and included more than 200 participants. The success of the exercise is now the benchmark for similar events.

On behalf of the regional commander, Baxter was responsible for leading the activation of Regional Response Team 4 as the federal on-scene coordinator during a national-level Nuclear Weapon Incident Accident Exercise. The exercise, and Baxter's leadership, greatly fostered relationships and trust with external regulatory agencies which previously did not exist.

"It is a true honor to receive this award and associated recognition," said Baxter. "However, it would not have been possible without the personal relationships and the exceptional knowledge of dedicated professionals across the DoD (Department of Defense) enterprise."

Baxter stated the award is symbolic of NAVFAC Southeast teamwork -- not individual efforts -- in developing solutions to complex issues, working across organizational boundaries, and support from colleagues that take ownership of challenging situations.

"John has demonstrated an ongoing ability to lead, coach, and facilitate administrative and technical staff across business lines, commands, and the Navy enterprise," said Garin in the citation. "He is results-oriented and exhibits a willingness to assist others. He is a treasured asset and we are lucky to have him at NAVFAC Southeast."

Both engineers have proven to be truly among the "Best of the Best" in the Navy and the federal government.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy/, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy/.

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