Big Win: Dover best installation in Air Mobility Command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Air Force Base soared above the rest of Air Mobility Command Nov. 2, when officials announced Dover bested the efforts of Travis AFB, Calif., and Charleston AFB, S.C., in the AMC Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award and rewarded Team Dover with $100,000 for quality-of-life projects. 

The winning trophy and check were presented to Team Dover by Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, on behalf of the AMC commander, Gen. Arthur Lichte, in a celebration Nov. 7 at the base theater. 

Wings from 12 installations competed for the award. AMC's evaluation team scored seven different focus areas in 26 functional specialties. Within those areas, Team Dover offered 137 areas of excellence for evaluator review during a 10-hour visit. 

"I can't say it any more clearly - you were magnificent," said Col. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "Being the best does not come easy, yet you've shown yourself to be the best mobility wing, in the best Air Force on the planet." 

"This is yet another example of how the Liberty and Eagle Wings excel in the associate business," said Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th Airlift Wing commander. "We are the Total Force; we win or lose as a team; and, it took all of us, active duty, reserve and civilians, to earn this honor. Be proud of your accomplishments." 

Many Dover Airmen may have felt the deck was stacked against them as the inspection was thrown right into the mix with the first-ever Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century senior leader's conference, a major accident response exercise, deployment exercise and several distinguished visitors touring the base. 

"In the wake of a very hectic schedule and days of downpour and high winds, Team Dover had the base looking spectacular," said Colonel Harrison. "Our Airmen's apparent enthusiasm and mission focus carried the day." 

"This was a Team Dover effort highlighting the outstanding synergy and accomplishments of the Eagle and Liberty Wings, our tenant units and the local community," said Maj. Dave Glass, 436th Maintenance Operations Squadron commander, who, according to Colonel Harrison, was paramount to Team Dover's success. 

Another aspect was the commitment of Colonel Harrison's hand-picked team, led by Col. Dennis Daley, 436th Maintenance Group commander. 

As AMC winners, Team Dover's written award package will be forwarded to represent AMC and compete against all other major commands. Headquarters Air Force will review written nominations from all major commands and select the top two bases as finalists. (Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo, 512th AW Public Affairs, contributed to this story)