The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort's Townsend Bombing Range Integrated Planning Team (IPT) was awarded the Secretary of the Navy's annual Environmental and Safety Excellence Award during a Ceremony July 23 at the Navy Memorial Heritage Center in Washington, D.C.

During the ceremony Donald Schregardus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Environment) presented the award in the Environmental (Team) category to the team from MCAS Beaufort.

One of the contributors to this project was the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast who prepared the Townsend Bombing Range Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Working closely with the team from Beaufort NAVFAC Southeast's teams knowledge and planning allowed the environmentally challenging EIS to be completed rapidly and within budget.

"The Navy is honored to be a part of the IPT," said John Conway, NAVFAC Southeast NEPA Compliance Section. "The Navy team worked side-by-side with the entire team to ensure the Marine Corps goals and timelines we met. Without collaboration and cooperation from the entire team, this portion of the project would not have been so successful."

MCAS Beaufort's IPT streamlined communication and brought together expertise from various commands and agencies, this leadership and cooperation played a significant role in winning this award.

The award emphasizes the unique importance of safety as a top Department of the Navy priority.

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