Whidbey Island Naval Air Station honored as best

OAK HARBOR — Whidbey Island Naval Air Station is the best air station in the Navy.

Winners of the 2010 Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Awards were announced Monday. Naval Base San Diego was named the top Navy base.

Capt. Gerral David, the air station’s commanding officer, said NAS Whidbey Island came in second in the overall category, as well as being the No. 1 air station.

David praised his department heads for their hard work and extra effort.

“This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of every member of Team Whidbey,” he said in a statement from the Navy.

The Defense Department annually recognizes one installation from each service. Each base has made the best use of available resources to accomplish its assigned mission and has demonstrated imaginative and innovative management actions to increase workforce productivity and enhance the quality of life for its personnel, said Whidbey public affairs officer Kimberly Martin.

For the Navy, one installation from each of the twelve Navy regions was nominated. This marked the fifth consecutive year that the air station represented Navy Region Northwest, Martin said.

Highlights that led to the air station’s selection included:

  • Creation of a family fun center with a playground, games, batting cages and a library added to the base bowling alley.

    Development of a 15-year infrastructure construction plan.

    Environmental partnership with several tribal governments and 10 other groups, creating a 300-acre saltwater marsh to help improve local salmon populations.

    More than 50,000 volunteer hours spent in local schools and communities.

    For its efforts, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station is set to receive $250,000 to make improvements to the Skywarrior Theater for the benefit of all base personnel, Martin said.

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