Air Force Environmental Quality Program: A Historical Look at Air Force Effortsto Achieve Environmental Excellence

摘要

Contrary to what many perceive, the AF has been in the business of environmentalquality since day one. However, only recent successes have received significant attention. Todays Air Force Environmental Quality Program is the product of an evolution which began almost 50 years ago when the AF became a separate Service. The ceaseless efforts of countless AF civil engineers and planners led to enormous advances and to the AF's emergence as a leader in the field, not only within the DOD, but throughout the United States and even the world. However, AF leaders are guilty of not adequately documenting these accomplishments. This report provides, for the first time, a historical document outlining achievements that clearly demonstrate the AF commitment to environmental quality. The report's focus is two-fold: first, it documents the evolution of the program since its beginning in the late 1940s; and second, it highlights AF successes in the cleanup of past hazardous contamination, compliance with current environmental laws, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, and prevention of future environmental pollution. The report also encapsulates leadership goals and policy, program structure, education and training efforts, technological advances, and partnerships with DOD and industry. The research conducted for this report included various media. HQ USAF Civil Engineer Historical Reports and various publications of the day, such as professional journals, served as valuable sources of information regarding the early years of the Program.