Bay Area FAA Office Receives National Honors

The Federal Aviation Administration has bestowed two of its top national awards on the agency’s Golden Gate Systems Management Office (SMO) in Fremont, Calif., which operates and maintains all FAA air traffic equipment throughout much of California and the Pacific Ocean.

The Golden Gate SMO was named 2002 National Distinguished Systems Management Office of the Year, as well as 2002 National Systems Management Office of the Year. It’s the first time that both awards – which recognize achievement in maintaining and improving aviation safety – have been won by a single SMO in the same year. In all, 33 offices nationwide competed for the honors.

The Golden Gate SMO, which has about 200 employees, has responsibility for operating, maintaining and modernizing more than 3,000 FAA facilities and all equipment for airspace covering Northern California and about a third of the Pacific Ocean. The facilities and equipment include complex radar, automation, communications, navigational control, and environmental systems. Pilots use these facilities and services for navigation and communication with air traffic controllers.

“This accomplishment is the result of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, technicians, administrative staff, supervisors, and managers who take seriously their responsibility for operating and maintaining the facilities and equipment that help keep America’s aviation system the safest in the world,” said David Miles, manager of the Golden Gate SMO. “They are truly the best of the best.”

Steve Zaidman, the FAA’s Director of Airway Facilities, will present the Golden Gate SMO with the awards on July 29 during ceremonies in Fremont, Calif.

The Golden Gate Systems Management Office also received a commendation from California Governor Gray Davis, as well as proclamations from Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzalez, Fremont Mayor Gus Morrison, and Newark (Calif.) Mayor David Smith.