NAS Whiting Field named Navy’s best small base

On Dec. 18, the Naval Installations Command’s commander named Naval Air Station Whiting Field as the Installation Excellence Award’s recipient.

The award recognizes top Navy commands at shore for their installation management, program excellence, environmental stewardship, mission successes and community outreach.

This is NAS Whiting Field’s third win over the past four years.

Installations are graded across 13 key areas including facilities management, mission support, quality of life, environment, energy, property stewardship, communication, safety and health, among others. Each entry is limited to a four-page write-up of accomplishments with supporting documentation and photographs.

Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, commander of the Navy Region Southeast, highlighted this award and NAS Whiting Field’s successes during Capt. Todd Bahlau’s change of command ceremony on Dec. 18.

Bolivar praised the entire team: "Mighty Whiting, Team Whiting Field's dedication and outstanding performance, consistent with CNIC's strategic goals and Office of the Secretary of Defense criteria, are unparalleled and absolutely worthy of praiseworthy recognition," she said. "Earning such prestigious recognition is a significant accomplishment and a testament to supporting the fleet, family, fighter and community!"

CNIC is the Naval command tasked with overseeing the 69 U.S. Navy shore installations worldwide. NAS Whiting Field was selected as the winner in the small base category (less than 500 personnel) from a field of 32 installations. 

Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, commander of the Naval Installations Command, lauded this year’s winners, underscoring the high level of professionalism evident in each of the nomination packages.

"This year's competition was intense, and it is clear our winners represent the very best of the best within the shore enterprise!" she said. "I want to personally thank each of your superb teams for their stellar work." 

"To achieve this honor three of the last four years is amazing and couldn’t be accomplished without the support of the local community," Bahlau said.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: NAS Whiting Field named Navy’s best small base