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World Class: Team Dover best in Air Force

  • Published
  • By 436 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Air Force Base is the Air Force winner of the 2008 Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence, the Department of Defense announced April 14. 

"This is the first time in the 23-year history of this prestigious award that an Air Mobility Command installation has been recognized as the Air Force's best," said Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander. "This is truly a total force award!" 

"This is a big achievement for Dover Air Force Base," said Col. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "It's a tremendous testament to criticality of our mission, the excellence with which it is performed, and the quality of the men and women of Team Dover--active duty, reserve, civil service civilians, and our many team partners including the Dover community, our congressional delegation, contracting partners, and sister service and other governmental agencies." 

Some of Team Dover's efforts include opening a state-of-the-art Air Freight Terminal, which increased cargo capacity and efficiency by 50 percent and enabled faster support to the warfighter. The base was also recognized as a leader in housing privatization and was named the Air Force's Outstanding Housing Installation Team - Privatized Location. Team Dover was highlighted for its increased efficiency using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century and served as a benchmark for the U.S. Air Force and foreign air forces. Additionally, Dover implemented a seamless stand-up and transition to a C-17 squadron, which resulted in mission capable aircraft within 40 days of delivery. 

"Winning this award highlights the dedication and commitment of Team Dover's men and women and their support of the Air Force mission, allowing our nation her sovereign options," said Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th AW Commander. 

The Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations. The five recipients of this highly competitive Presidential award were selected for their exemplary support of Department of Defense missions. 

The other winning installations are Fort A. P. Hill, Bowling Green, Va.; Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, San Diego, Calif.; Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, Calif.; and Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. 

The award winners were chosen due to their excellent practices that better enable mission performance and enhance the quality of life for military men and women and their families, said Department of Defense officials. Each winning installation succeeded in providing excellent working, housing and recreational conditions, and was identified as making the most efficient use of the resources provided in order to further the unit's mission. 

"Ultimately, Dover Air Force Base's excellence is a reflection of the support it receives from our local community. We thank you all so much for your tireless backing of our Airmen and our role in the nation's defense," Colonel Harrison said. 

The base competed against 117 wings throughout the Air Force to win the $1 million in quality of life funds. 

The windfall from the award will go towards making quality of life improvements that will benefit a majority of the base population, said Colonel Harrison. Following the initial win at the major command level, inputs on how to spend the winnings were solicited from across the base and evaluated based on the feasibility and impact. 

One of the top priorities selected by input from throughout the base is to make some much-needed upgrades to the base theater, including renovating the restrooms, seating, flooring and curtains. The base hopes to team with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service to make improvements to the sound and projection system, as well as the snack bar. "This is something that our entire team (married and single Airmen, Department of Defense civilians, families and total force teammates) can benefit from," Colonel Harrison said. 

Dover Airmen also highlighted fitness facilities and requested improvements. First, much-needed repairs to the running track/football field are underway, including re-seeding and sodding the field, and installing a water fountain. Additionally, a jogging/walking path will be installed to connect the Fitness Center with the running track. Finally, a wireless audio system will be installed at the Fitness Center, allowing patrons to connect headphones to the cardio equipment in order to better hear the television broadcasts in the rooms than is currently possible with the FM transmitter system used there. An added bonus to this system is that it will be able to be moved to the new Fitness Center when it is constructed. 

The prize money will also make the base safer for pedestrians as three base crosswalks will be lighted with flush-mounted lights, similar to what is used to illuminate the base's runways and taxiways. This will better notify drivers that pedestrians are using the crosswalks, especially in low-light conditions, and is on par with the theme for how the funds will be used. "Fitness and safe access are critical to the health of our Airmen and their families," Colonel Harrison said. 

The 2008 Commander in Chief's Award ceremony is scheduled for May 8 at the Pentagon.