WASHINGTON -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) announced the winners of its 2014 Military and Civilian Engineers of the Year Awards Dec. 9.
Lt. Cmdr. J. Doug Herrin from NAVFAC Southeast was selected as the Military Engineer of the Year and Joseph M. Woliver from NAVFAC Atlantic was selected as the Civilian Engineer of the Year for 2014.
"We've selected our NAVFAC engineers of the year from a group of exceptional candidates," said NAVFAC Commander, Rear Adm. Kate Gregory. "We are very fortunate to serve with a vast number of extraordinary engineers who lead NAVFAC and the Navy with dedication, service, selflessness and technical superiority. They continue to build to our 171 year legacy of serving the Navy with the 'Can Do' spirit."
Herrin and Woliver will represent NAVFAC in February during Engineers Week at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., where the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) will announce their 2014 Federal Engineer of the Year.
In his role as the NAVFAC Southeast Contingency Engineering and Disaster Preparedness Officer, Herrin oversaw $32 million worth of planning, design and construction of 62 projects at 22 remote locations as part of the Haiti earthquake recovery effort.
He coordinated and deployed the Contingency Engineering Response Team (CERT) to the naval complex in New Orleans after being damaged by Hurricane Isaac. Under his direction, the team surveyed damaged facilities and developed stabilization and repair packages.
"It is an honor to be recognized for my efforts and accomplishments," said Herrin. "This recognition extends to the exceptional dedicated professionals that I have the privilege of working alongside. The accomplishments are the result of many talented individuals coming together as a team to support the Navy mission and enable the warfighters."
Herrin also lead NAVFAC Southeast's energy program, supervising the execution of 80 energy projects worth $95 million, and programmed an additional 90 projects valued at $230 million. These projects implemented an array of energy conservation technologies such as photovoltaic, solar heating, geothermal, biomass, wind turbine, LED lighting, and retrofitting buildings with high-efficiency mechanical systems, which are expected to save more than $15 million annually across the Southeast Region.
Woliver, from NAVFAC Atlantic, performed as the senior geotechnical engineer and the NAVFAC subject matter expert for airfield pavements as he executed designs, oversaw construction, and provided consultation efforts across the Navy and Marine Corps. He planned, programmed, budgeted and executed inspections for Commander Navy Installations Command, United States Marine Corps, North Atlantic Treaty Organization and National Aeronautics and Space Administration assets totaling more than $2 billion.
Using his vast knowledge, Woliver designed emergency repairs for Naval Air Station Souda Bay's failed taxiway pavement and damaged arresting gear during Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector (Libya).
He developed a unique concrete mix design solution incorporating on-site materials, which allowed Navy Seabees and Air Force Red Horse teams to construct the 50-meter Walela Culvert Bridge as part of a humanitarian effort in northern Uganda. The bridge improved the lives of 60,000 villagers by eliminating a half-day walk to work, hospital and schools, and provides a year-round link to markets at the economic center.
Woliver also designed the Navy's first Joint Strike Fighter-capable, simulated carrier deck at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, which allowed the fleet to train and practice using future aircraft platforms.
"I am honored by this recognition, but it would not have happened without my team's support," said Woliver. "We all deserve this award. It was a team effort and I want to thank them all for their contributions, enabling me to receive this recognition."
