07.12.05

Cantwell Congratulates Naval Base Kitsap for Winning Excellence Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tuesday U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) released the following statement of congratulations after the Department of Defense named Naval Base Kitsap one of the five national winners of the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.

"This award is a reflection of the importance of the base to our national defense and its contributions to the Kitsap County community as a whole," Cantwell said. "We have America's best bases here in Washington state. The Pentagon recognized that in their base closure recommendations, and they recognized it again today."

The Department of Defense announcement follows below:

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Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact: +1 (703) 428-0711

July 12, 2005

DoD Names Winners of Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld today announced the winners of the 2005 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence. They are:

· Fort Stewart, Hinesville, Ga.

· Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, N.C.

· Naval Base Kitsap, Silverdale, Wash.

· Misawa Air Base, Japan

· Defense Distribution Depot San Joaquin, Calif.

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. The five recipients of this highly competitive Presidential award were selected for their exemplary support of Department of Defense missions.

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 for the people assigned to that installation.

The 2005 Commander in Chief's Award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, in the Pentagon Auditorium (BH650). The ceremony is open for media coverage.

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