NORFOLK (April 1, 2019) Staff assigned to the Fleet Environmental and Installations Department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command pose for a group photo after receiving a 2019 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award for environmental planning of the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area Phase III Environmental Impact Statement. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the team assessed the potential environmental impacts associated with conducting safe, yet realistic training for Sailors and testing systems within the AFTT study area within a five-year planning period. The AFTT study area consists of approximately 2.6 million square nautical miles of open waters and designated airspace over the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern coast of North America, portions of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in specific inland waters. The Department of the Navy environmental programs play a vital role in the achievement of our National Defense Strategy. The Navy conducts numerous conservation, restoration, innovation and sustainment efforts to protect the environment, while fulfilling the Navy’s readiness mission. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gary Prill/Released)