Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) won a number of impressive awards in 2016 and ended the year by winning the most coveted honor among Navy installations: the Installation Excellence Award from Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC).

"The outstanding military personnel and civilians who work for Naval Base Kitsap, as well as our incredible on-base partner commands, perform their duties exceptionally well every day," said Capt. Alan Schrader, commanding officer, NBK. "The goal of our personnel has been and continues to be to excel while exceeding the expectations of our diverse customers. This award is confirmation of our team's strong commitment to the people and commands we serve."

Rear Adm. Gary Mayes, commander, Navy Region Northwest (NRNW), stated in a message to military personnel and the workforce of NRNW, "I extend my personal appreciation to the entire NAVBASE KITSAP team for a job well done! Thank you all for your dedication and the positive reflection on your command."

He continued, "Our tenants and their families have truly benefited from your time and efforts."

The installation excellence award program recognizes the Navy's top three large and small installations, and rewards installation performance in accordance with the command's strategic goals and Office of the Secretary of Defense criteria for the Department of Defense-wide Commander in Chief Installation Excellence Awards. The top award comes with $224,000 which can be spent on base beautification projects of the winning command's choosing.

Installations are responsible for security, housing, port operations, infrastructure, facilities, and a host of other services supporting tenant commands, personnel, families, and retirees.

The Navy's top installation winners are:

(Large Category)
1st Place: Naval Base Kitsap
2nd Place: Naval Base Guam
3rd Place: Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy

(Small Category)
1st Place: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California
2nd Place: Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas
3rd Place: Naval Support Activity Washington, D.C.

Worldwide, the Navy has 71 installations, of which NBK is the third largest. It includes bases at Bangor, Bremerton, Jackson Park, Keyport, Manchester, and other properties in Kitsap County and beyond. More than 11,000 acres are home to nearly 70 other commands, 35,000 military personnel and civilian workers, and thousands of residents.

"Competition this year was extremely keen, as each large and small installation nomination package was impressive, and spoke to the myriad of great accomplishments that you and your teams have made," said Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, CNIC. "For your outstanding leadership and world-class support to the fleet, fighter, and family, I am proud of your collective accomplishments."

"Congratulations go out to Captain Schrader and all the men and women of Naval Base Kitsap who worked tirelessly to make this happen," said Smith.

The competition for the best installation in the entire military isn't over yet, though.

NBK will represent the Navy in competition with other military services for the DoD Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence, which recognizes outstanding efforts in the operations and maintenance of U.S. military installations.

"Effective installations enable commands and their personnel to focus on their respective missions," according to Schrader. "This award recognizes our personnel for providing these necessary support services 24/7 and 365 days a year. Our team keeps this machine humming."

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For more news from Naval Base Kitsap, visit http://www.navy.mil/.