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The Department of the Air Force captured four top honors in the 2026 Department of War Environmental Awards, a program now in its 64th year recognizing military and civilian efforts to protect natural and cultural resources, safeguard human health, and preserve the environment.
A cross-sector panel of judges from federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector selected the winners. Air Force officials noted the department won four awards from seven nominations submitted across eight total categories, underscoring environmental stewardship as integral to mission readiness and quality of life for Airmen, Guardians, their families, and host communities.
“ These awards acknowledge our deep commitment to preserving the environment we rely on to test and train while simultaneously sharpening our competitive edge,” Balkus said. “Our installations prove that environmental stewardship and operational readiness are not mutually exclusive. By pioneering next-generation conservation and cleanup initiatives, we protect our natural resources and build the resilient bases required to project power globally.”
Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, won Natural Resources Conservation, Small Installation, after launching a 2024 plan that increased program funding by 1,200%. The base established a new ecological baseline confirming eight bat species, which allowed 30 acres to be cleared for development and reduced project timelines by up to 18 months.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, earned Environmental Quality, Non-Industrial Installation, for support to cold-weather training and a 97% waste diversion rate. The installation resolved 13 water violations without fines, safeguarding a $404 million runway project.
Beale Air Force Base, California, received Environmental Restoration, Installation, for tackling historical contamination while protecting local wetlands. By producing technical reports in-house, the team saved $1.8 million and returned 700 acres of critical land to active use two years ahead of schedule.
Shannon McMillan of Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, won Environmental Restoration, Individual/Team, for installing 24 residential water systems that averted $750,000 in liability. She also led an $11.2 million pump-and-treat system that protected the drinking water of 3,000 citizens.
