Staff reports

The Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Command has announced its 2019 Military and Civilian Engineers of the Year.

Environmental sustainability lead Tami Relph as its 2019 Civilian Engineer of the Year and Lt. Cmdr. Alfred M. Nuzzolo, deputy department head for NAVFAC EXWC’s Capital Improvements Business Line Department was selected as Military Engineer of the Year.

Nominees were evaluated in engineering achievements, civic and humanitarian activities, professional registration, continuing education, and professional and technical society involvement.

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“It is an honor and a privilege to be named NAVFAC EXWC's Civilian Engineer of the Year,” Relph said in a news release. “The Navy has provided countless opportunities that have enabled the development of my professional skillset, which has largely attributed to my success.”

Over the past five years, Relph has provided managerial direction on matters including measuring the impact of water conservation on wastewater collection systems and drinking water distribution systems, demonstrating technology to recycle water from hydrant-flushing operations, optimizing energy usage at wastewater treatment facilities and developing a water security decision tool.

In addition to her professional duties, Relph volunteers with Engineers Without Borders-a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit humanitarian organization that partners with engineers and developing countries.

With more than 18 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Nuzzolo advanced to a top-level managerial position, now overseeing NAVFAC EXWC projects within the Capital Improvements Business Line.

“I cannot take full credit for this award, as I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a team full of extraordinarily talented individuals,” Nuzzolo said in a news release. “It is truly an honor to work with brilliant minds, and without them, these noteworthy projects would not come to fruition.”

Nuzzolo also attributes his achievements to his late father, who he described as an expert problem solver who taught him the importance of critical thinking.

In addition to his professional duties, Nuzzolo is the first vice president of the Society of American Military Engineers’ Oxnard/Ventura Post.