Naval Air Station Whiting Field and NAS Pensacola, both recipients of the 2015 Installation Excellence award, hosted Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, during his tour across the GulfCoast this week.
The two air stations served as the final stopping points for Smith before he returned to CNIC. NAS Whiting Field and NAS Pensacola received the recognition in the small and large categories, respectively. Something he alluded to immediately in his comments to the assembled senior staff to kick-off his visit.
“First and foremost, congratulations on receiving the Installation Excellence Award,” Smith said. “You ought to be very proud of that accomplishment.”
During his travels Smith emphasized the importance of his guiding principles of taking customer service to the next level, being brilliant on the basics, making smart business decisions and living a culture of continuous improvement. Both sailors and civilians, along with base leadership, were pleased to connect with CNIC during the week.
“I was happy for the opportunity to meet Admiral Smith,” said NAS Whiting Field Commanding Officer, Capt. Todd Bahlua. “I think his visit gives us a lot insight to incorporate as we try to improve the way we serve the tenant commands. His comments were positive, and I believe the trip enabled him to see the tremendous caliber of people we have on our team.”
Smith, Jackson, and CNIC’s Force Master Chief Andrew Thompson, along with the Region’s Command Master Chief Michael Jackson toured NAS Whiting Field visiting a variety of locations to see first-hand the work that goes into maintaining fleet readiness and supporting sailors and their families. Stops included visiting a variety of morale, welfare and recreation sites, Fleet and Family Support Center, security department, water treatment facilities, fire house, and Child Development Center, to name a few.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: NAS Whiting Field hosts Commander, Navy Installations Command