Photo By Airman 1st Class Kourtney Ross | James E. Cavenaugh, U.S Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection...... read more read more
Within the Air Force, leadership expects excellence in all that its members do. This culture inspires individuals to strive to be the best, and one such member was recognized as the best by receiving the 2023 North Carolina Department of Agriculture Employee of the Year Award.
During the summer and fall of 2022 James E. Cavenaugh, U.S Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services airport wildlife biologist, took part in a six-month study called Flight Control Max. The study was to spray a chemical goose repellant near the flight line. He started spraying the treatment at Fayetteville Regional Airport and compared goose behavior in the sprayed area vs. non-sprayed area. Only 12 biologists nationwide were selected.
“The product is an ammonia-based solution.” Cavenaugh explained.” Since bird’s vision ability allows them to see in infrared, the solution makes the treated area appear ‘unnatural and sharp’ to birds from overhead. Thus, making the area unattractive to land. Humans cannot see the product on the grass once it dries. It is also non-toxic and environmentally green.”
Another way Cavenaugh handled wildlife was minimizing Canada Geese on the airfield. To ensure the safety of aircraft and to eliminate the potential for bird strikes in flight, Pope has a zero-tolerance policy for geese population on and near the airfield. Cavenaugh and others herd the geese and remove them from the airfield. During the summer months geese molt and grow new feathers and are unable to fly at that time.
Cavenaugh also completed a six-month temporary duty assignment from June to November 2023, to Muwaffaq Salti Airbase, Jordan. He completed similar tasks in Jordan as he does at Pope. He ensured that the airfield was safe from wildlife. While there, he pointed out ways to improve the airfields safety. He also improved NATO relations by advising other countries’ safety offices on different airfield practices.
“My deployment in Jordan helped me to see the bigger picture in all regards.” Cavenaugh said. “I got to see just how important the Air Force mission is, and how safety has a role in effectively preforming that mission. [Additionally,] as a as civilian and a spouse to a veteran, I got to see firsthand the service and sacrifice our nation’s military service members endure while overseas in a deployed environment. This left me with a greater understanding and appreciation for all they do.”
“His latest volunteer endeavor is to join the USDA team” Maj. Kelli Gallagher, Chief of Safety, “stopping the western spread of rabies by creating a sterile boundary along the Appalachian Mountains. We hope to see him this October dropping oral rabies vaccination packets from USDA aircraft.”
Cavenaugh continues to strive for the excellence that the Air Force requires of all of it members. Winning awards at such a level is a testament to his dedication to his craft. As the year passes over to its second half, Cavenaugh remains a valued member of Team Pope and an asset in providing rapid global mobility.
“The 43 AMOG safety office is very proud to have Mr. Cavenaugh recognized by the USDA Wildlife Services North Carolina State Director” Gallagher said.
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2024 08:14 |
| Story ID: | 476755 |
| Location: | POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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