BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CA. (MPG) – Beale Air Force Base has received a top Air Force honor for its environmental restoration work, earning the 2024-2025 General Thomas D. White award in the installation category.
The award recognizes excellence in environmental restoration programs, including efforts to restore contaminated sites, protect natural resources and support long-term environmental stewardship.
“Receiving the GTDW award is incredibly meaningful because it rewards the entire team, not just an individual,” said Darren Rector, restoration program manager with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. “When I say team, I’m referring to everyone who supports Beale’s restoration efforts.”
Beale’s program includes work across 23 sites in various phases of environmental remediation, addressing a range of contaminants. The effort brings together the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, regulatory agencies, contractors and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District.
Rector said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to environmental protection and cleanup.
The General Thomas D. White award highlights installations that accelerate cleanup, apply new technologies and engage with surrounding communities while maintaining environmental standards.
Col. Keagan McLeese, commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, said the award reflects the scope of work underway at the base.
“The team deserves this well-earned recognition,” McLeese said. “This award is a testament to the dedication to environmental stewardship and the innovative spirit found at Beale in tackling the most complex environmental challenges.”
Col. Robert McTighe, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District, said the work depends on coordination across agencies.
“This award reflects strong partnerships and a shared commitment to safe, effective restoration,” McTighe said. “It takes coordinated effort across agencies to deliver results.”
McLeese said the work supports both environmental protection and the base’s operational mission.
“This work not only protects our natural resources but also directly enhances our ability to enable America’s Power Projection,” he said.
Beale will now advance to compete at the Department of Defense level.
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