Delaware Congressional Delegation Congratulates Dover Air Force Base on Excellence Award Finalist Selection

WILMINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) congratulated Dover Air Force Base for its selection as a finalist in the 2011 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence.

The Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations. Excellent installations enable better mission performance and enhance the quality of life for military men and women and their families. Each winning installation succeeded in providing excellent working, housing and recreational conditions.

Dover Air Force Base won this award in 2008 for their performance in FY2007. This year, the other finalist is Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.

“Through my many visits to the base, including my first one over 40 years ago as a young naval flight officer, I have been impressed by the level of professionalism and dedication shown by the men and women of Team Dover,” said Sen. Carper. “As patriots of our great nation, they have forged a unique partnership with the local Dover community as well as communities throughout Delaware. Through recent and ongoing improvements such as the installation of high-temperature water lines throughout the base, a new Consolidated Communications Facility, and the new Chapel Center, the Dover Air Force Base continues its commitment to operating a first-class facility and is very deserving of this award.”

“Each massive aircraft that flies in and out of Dover Air Force Base is a symbol of the extraordinary work done by the men and women who serve our nation at Dover Air Force Base,” said Sen. Coons. “Their mission-critical work transporting cargo and military personnel around the globe is vital to our national security, and I know how proud Delawareans, myself included, are of the base’s many military accomplishments. Every time I have the opportunity to visit, I am reminded that each Airman here touches the lives of U.S. service members throughout the world, and when our fallen heroes return to American soil on the tarmac in Dover, the dignity, honor and respect they show their brothers and sisters in arms touches their families. I congratulate everyone at Dover Air Force Base and offer my gratitude for the professionalism, spirit and determination they show each and every day. It leaves no doubt why America has the finest military force in the history of the world.”

“Dover Air Force Base has been performing critical military functions for the United States since 1941,” said Congressman Carney. “In addition to being a hub for cargo and personnel transports, the base serves as the U.S. arrival point for our fallen heroes — a solemn but incredibly important responsibility. The employees at Dover have always carried out their work with the professionalism, patriotism and thoroughness that the nation expects. Delawareans know that it is a privilege and an honor to have Dover Air Force Base in our state, and this award underscores why the base will be there for generations to come.”

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