By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2008 - The premier installations from each military service and the Defense Logistics Agency were recognized at a Pentagon award ceremony today.

John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence.

The highlighted installations have distinguished themselves through effective leadership and management as well as being good stewards of tax dollars, Young said at the ceremony.

"Installations are the backbone to our armed forces," Young said, noting that military posts provide training, billeting, maintenance, research and development, and other valuable facilities, and also serve as U.S. power-projection platforms.

Military installations also "provide a safe place for our military members and their families to live, to work and play," Young said.

This year's awardees are: Fort A.P. Hill, Bowling Green, Va.; Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Naval Base Coronado, San Diego; Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del.; and the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Va.

Wayne Arny, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, served as the event's master of ceremonies.

"This prestigious award recognizes the best of the best," Arny told the Pentagon auditorium audience before the awards were presented.

President Ronald Reagan created the Commander's in Chief Annual Award for Installation Excellence in 1985. The Defense Logistics Agency was added to the competition in 1988. Cited organizations receive a trophy, an "Installation Excellence" flag, and a letter signed by President Bush.

Pentagon Ceremony Fetes Superlative Defense Installations  [ http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49824 ]