WILMINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) congratulated Dover Air Force Base for being named the Air Mobility Command's 2011 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence winner. The base topped Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas to secure this honor.

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 will next compete at the Air Force level, with a winner to be chosen in January 2012.

"I am thrilled that the men and women of Team Dover have won this honor for a second time for their hard work and dedication to maintaining an excellent base," said Sen. Carper. "These patriots of our great nation work hard to develop a unique partnership with the local Dover community as well as communities throughout Delaware, and improve the functions of the base. Now the nation will recognize what we have known all along – that Dover Air Force Base is a superior military installation."

"Congratulations to everyone at Dover Air Force Base on this well-deserved honor," Senator Coons said. "Whether on base witnessing a dignified transfer or simply passing by as a C-5 crosses over Route 1, I am frequently reminded that we are extremely fortunate to have such a professional operation right here in Delaware. I am impressed but not surprised that the people of Dover Air Force Base were recognized for their outstanding and innovative efforts to support those who serve and protect us."

"Congratulations to everyone serving at Dover Air Force Base for once again earning the Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award," said Congressman Carney. "The men and women stationed in Dover are not only serving our country with pride, professionalism and dignity, they have become an important part of our local community. It's a privilege and an honor to have Dover Air Force in our state, and I think this award is very well deserved. They are truly the best. "

This is the second time Dover Air Force Base has won this award. It was previously honored in 2008 for performance in FY2007.

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