A Robins Air Force Base unit has earned an Air Force award for its environmental program.

The 78th Civil Engineer Group won the Secretary of the Air Force Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Quality Award, according to a base release. The award was in the category for industrial installations.

“This award is truly a Robins Air Force Base community award,” said Lee Stokes, the unit’s asset management director. “It reflects the dedication and hard work of the 78th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Division but also the strong environmental commitment of all Robins mission partners.”

The 78th Civil Engineer Group also took home the Air Force’s Cultural Resources Management Award for Individual and Team Excellence, Sustainability Award for Individual and Team Excellence, and National Environmental Policy Act Award for Team Excellence.

Air Force recognizes Robins doctor

A Robins Air Force Base doctor is the winner of the 2012 Chief of the Medical Staff Commitment to Excellence Award.

Lt. Col. Melinda Screws won the award, which is given for actions that improve health care delivery and contribute to medical operations in combat areas, according to a base news release.

“This award is truly a reflection of the outstanding people I work with and their commitment to excellence,” Screws said in the release. “It also speaks to the quality of leadership and mentorship I’ve been afforded in my career.”

Screws is assigned to the 78th Medical Group.

She was among 60 health care professionals recognized in the annual Air Force Medical Service awards contest. The competition included both individual and team categories.

J-STARS win maintenance effectiveness award

Two squadrons at Robins Air Force Base have won the 2012 Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Award.

The award went to the 116th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which is part of the 116th Air Control Wing, and the 461st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which is part of the 461st Air Control Wing.

The two wings jointly operate the military’s only E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System.

“It’s truly an honor for our team to be recognized,” Lt. Col. Bobby Nash, 116th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, said in a news release. “Maintainers juggled robust home station Ready Aircrew Program requirements and higher headquarters inspections while simultaneously delivering unprecedented aircraft generation rates that met the appetite of multiple combatant commanders.”

Lt. Col. Karen Bice, commander of the 461st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, credited the honor to both squadrons working together as a team.

During 2012, the two wings supported six commanders in five separate combat areas. The units launched 766 local and 1,033 deployed sorties.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.