Innovator

Col. Angela Cadwell, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, presents the Innovator of the Month award to Maj. Matt Olijnek, 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron commander, April 17. The 422nd CES operations and fire emergency services partnered to conduct a survey of the interior of the base water tower, saving an estimated $10,000 in contract costs and four to five weeks in downtime. The 422nd CES needed to conduct two water-system fact-finding operations in the base water tower and valve vault. Local laws and safety regulations dictate special certification needed to work at heights and in confined spaces, which limited the options to conduct the survey. The firefighters at RAF Croughton have the necessary certifications and volunteered to accomplish the job. Both surveys were accomplished within one week, providing a timely assessment of the conditions of the tower and pressure reducing valve. The information gathered enabled the 422nd CES engineering team to conduct a rapid analysis to address water system deficiencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best)