Whidbey Island Naval Air Station ranks third out of 79 naval installations in the 2009 Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence.

The award recognizes base efforts to accomplish its assigned mission and demonstrated imaginative and innovative management actions to increase work force productivity and enhance the quality of life for its personnel and their families.

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan ranked first and the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., came in second, according to Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense.

“I extend a special ‘well done’ to the third place winner Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Skipper Capt. Gerral K. David,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, in a news release.

The three top Navy winners will receive a certificate and monetary award for quality of life improvements at each base, according to a NAS Whidbey press release.

“I’m honored to be a part of Team Whidbey,” said David. “The phenomenal working relationships we have with the local community, the tenant commands and the contractors who work on the base allow us to focus on excellence on a daily basis.”

NAS Whidbey is known for its high standards. This year’s award marks the fourth consecutive year Navy Region Northwest nominated NAS Whidbey Island. In 2006 and 1994 NAS Whidbey ranked number one.

Judging for the regional award is based on Integration & Leadership, Fleet Fighter Family, Naval Air Enterprise, Community Partnerships and Regional Programs.