Tom Skeer, a Subject Matter Expert on CoTs USMC-TECOM CCE RTAM contract, has been named CoTs Employee of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter of FY 2009. Beyond the high standards he brings to his typical duties as a CoTs contractor within RTAM, Tom Skeer’s “can do” attitude and hard work have resulted in his designation as the “go-to guy” for the range development process for the Marine Corps relocation of 8000 Marines and their families from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam. The Marine Corps has not built a base from scratch since World War II, and the magnitude and complexity of an effort to build a Marine Corps Base on Guam and the surrounding Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) cannot be overstated. Tom’s lead role in this effort has been a critical component of the decision making involved, and many, many lives will be affected by his commitment and evaluations.

Tom’s knowledge of training requirements, range design and operations, and willingness to engage has been immeasurable in this monumental effort. His most recent trip to the Pacific last month, involving 70- and 80-hour work weeks without a day off, the accolades and decisions that have resulted from his reports and testimony, and the high demand by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and senior decision makers for his expertise are all testaments to his superb accomplishments. His lead role in preparing and presenting far-reaching briefings has been well received by the Executive levels of the Marine Corps, most recently the USMC Director, Plans, Policy, and Operations. Tom’s willingness to master the issues and his unique ability to filter information to provide succinct, informative analysis during this period reflect his exemplary performance that merits special recognition. In fact, despite extended travel since 1 July, he has provided or presented ten (10) planning and execution briefs to numerous working groups, staffers, and Joint service audiences.

Despite the rigors associated with a combined trip to Guam, Saipan, and the smaller islands of Rota and Pagan, Tom also volunteered to provide a medical response plan as a qualified EMT for the nine participants sent by HQMC to evaluate the potential for range and training areas required for the Marine Corps’ relocation effort. This comprehensive plan included the presence of mind to coordinate satellite communication requirements, working with local medical facilities, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Special consideration was taken to account for the harsh, heat-laden, and primitive conditions. The island of Pagan was the most complex: It’s a small, uninhabited, volcanic island located approximately 200 nautical miles north of Saipan. The HQMC team, including Tom, had to be transported by ship to the island due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure. The contracted transport ship was decrepit and had a poorly trained crew of six which significantly increased the risk level for the survey team. As a result of Tom’s foresight and articulate planning, the trip was successful and a potential tragedy was averted. Tom’s inclusion of coordinating a satellite phone/radio suite saved the day when the ship later lost one of its engines and its communications, all with increasing sea states in the face of an oncoming typhoon. Tom’s forward thinking allowed communication with the National Weather service and a repair ship to ensure their safe – albeit delayed – recovery back to Saipan. In addition to mechanical and communication issues, all the crew members and passengers were incapacitated due to sea sickness. Tom’s skill as an EMT proved invaluable as he tended to the passengers and crew to ensure no one became severely dehydrated in the unbearable conditions. Tom’s motivation, willingness to serve, and ability to plan for the unknown proved to be indispensable on this training survey to the island of Pagan.

Thank you, Tom, for outstanding service and accomplishment in often difficult and demanding locations and circumstances. Bashir Mohammad, HUD SSC, and Bernice Bailey Simmons, PBGC CCC, were also nominated for Employee of the Quarter. Congratulations to all!