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 House Armed Services Committee on June 4 approved an amendment to a key defense policy bill that would bar the Air Force from retiring E-3 Sentry aircraft through fiscal 2027.