Annual Award for Installation Excellence  announced 

Not only is Naval Air Station Whidbey Island the best Navy base in the world — it’s one of the top U.S. military bases too.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter recently announced that NAS Whidbey is one of the top five bases as a winner of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence.

The others recipients are the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Campbell, Ky.; Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.; Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; and Defense Supply Center Richmond, Va.

“I am extremely proud to be part of this great organization, and am amazed daily at what we accomplish as a team,” said Capt. Geoff Moore, who assumed command of the air station in February from Capt. Michael Nortier, who is named in the award honors.

“It is also important to acknowledge the contributions of Navy Region Northwest and Team Whidbey,” Moore said. “The integration of our tenants and region personnel into our work force, plus the great support from our community partners, truly makes this an honor we can all join together and celebrate.”

The award recognizes the innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain military installations. The five bases were selected for their support of Department of Defense missions.

In December, the Commander of Navy Installations Command selected NAS Whidbey as its number-one nomination to DOD for this award due to their innovative efforts in operations and maintenance. In effect, NAS Whidbey was named the top Navy base in the world last year.

Each winning installation will receive a commemorative commander in chief’s award trophy and flag and a congratulatory letter from the president.