Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station pulls in Navy environmental award

NAVAL WEAPONS STATION FALLBROOK – Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Detachment Fallbrook, known locally as the Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station, was one of three installations to receive the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Natural Resources Conservation Award June 1.

“We were elated to receive the award,” Detachment Fallbrook Conservation Program Manager Christy Wolf said. “We care a lot about what we do and would do it anyway, but it is an honor to be recognized.”

Wolf and the base Commanding Officer, Capt. Terry Auberry, went to the Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. to accept the award for Detachment Fallbrook.

“The solid overall management approach Christy developed was integral to Detachment Fallbrook receiving this award,” Detachment Fallbrook Conservation Specialist Vanessa Shoblock said. “Christy’s vision and initiative significantly strengthened and matured the Natural Resources Program. It would not be where it is without her guidance.”

This was the third consecutive year the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station command has brought home an award in one of the CNO Environmental Award categories.

“I was ecstatic our hard work to support the mission was recognized,” Shoblock said. “We strive to do our best on a daily basis regardless of sometimes significant challenges. There are a lot of outstanding natural resources programs within the Navy and it was gratifying to be considered an exemplary program.”

The awards recognize ships, installations, and individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional environmental management. “These awards show that the Department of Defense really values its Environmental Programs,” Wolf said.

Detachment Fallbrook serves as a munitions supply point for the Pacific Fleet and the U.S. Marine Corps with the mission of safely and securely handling the storage and transportation of ordnance.

The low-impact ordnance storage mission at the base requires safety and security buffer zones, which minimize the developed footprint on the detachment and complement its conservation efforts.

“The environmental staff at Detachment Fallbrook possesses the willingness and dedication to come up with win-win solutions for the military mission and natural resource initiatives,” said Environmental Program Manager Dave Baillie.

Because Detachment Fallbrook is a small installation, communication and coordination remain very personal, Wolf said.

“We try to make certain we are in step with the other organizations on the installation. Close coordination and communication with these organizations and the command have been essential to our success,” Wolf said. “We couldn’t do what we do without their support.”