Navy Environmental Expert Receives Award

Mary L. Wenzel received the prestigious White House Closing the Circle Award in a ceremony on June 11th at the White House. The award is presented annually to federal employees whose efforts have resulted in a significant contribution to, or have made a significant impact on, the environment. Wenzel received the award for demonstrating outstanding leadership in implementing Presidential Executive Order 13148, Greening the Government Through Leadership in Environmental Management. Under her leadership the Navy program office responsible for the design and construction of the new Lewis and Clark Class ships succeeded in becoming the first Department of Defense acquisition program to implement a comprehensive environmental management system and to receive certification by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Wenzel is an Environmental Protection Specialist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division, in Bethesda, Maryland. She is currently the Environmental, Safety and Health Manager for the T-AKE Acquisition Program at the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C., responsible for all aspects of environmental protection, safety and occupational health associated with the design and construction of twelve Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) Class ships. Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S. and NATO ships, the Lewis and Clark Class will directly advance the Navy’s ability to maintain a forward presence. Wenzel’s White House Award is the latest honor for the T-AKE Acquisition Program. Earlier this year, the Project Team, which includes Wenzel, received awards for Environmental Excellence in Weapons System Acquisition from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and Naval Sea Systems Command. The T-AKE Project Team is also nominated for the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award.