The US Department of Defense announced on 21 April 2014 the winners of the annual Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center F-35 Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Support Team at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, was cited for its successful evaluation of an Alternative Outer Mold Line coating system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This all-in-one corrosion resistant coating, which contains no hexavalent chromium, replaces the traditional coating system’s top two layers. The unique AOML coating system significantly decreases aircraft final finish weight and increases durability over the traditional coating system. The awards have been presented each year since 1962.
