Travis AFB, Calif., and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, are the two Air Force finalists for the 2011 Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award. “Your hard word, devotion to duty, and selfless dedication has been recognized,” said Lt. Gen. Loren Reno, deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations, and mission support, in recognizing both installations. He added, “You truly are the best of the best.” The installation excellence selection board will visit both bases in January to determine the Air Force winner. Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, took the 2010 prize for the Air Force. This annual Presidential award recognizes a top installation for each service and one among the defense agencies for their exemplary support of Defense Department missions. (Scott report by MSgt. Scott T. Sturkol)
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…

