ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced Patrick Space Force Base as the Space Force recipient of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence July 1.

The award recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the teams of people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations, selecting one base from each military service, plus the Defense Logistics Agency each year.

This year’s Space Force Installation Excellence selection board consisted of a cross functional team from the Headquarters United States Space Force staff.

The board recognized the Guardians and mission partners of Patrick SFB for providing outstanding mission support through innovation and programs dedicated to mission readiness through efficiencies and cost control, while maintaining a focus on the importance of providing a “quality of life” environment for families and single Guardians.

Patrick SFB is home to Space Launch Delta 45 — which provides installation support for the base — along with other defense and Air Force mission partners.

SLD45 authored a cross-coast concept of operations to streamline launch control capabilities by syncing Patrick SFB and Vandenberg SFB mission commands into a single focal point. The effort added redundant coverage, cut manpower needs by 50%, increased mission assurance by 110%, and drove standardization of training across both ranges. The Space Launch Delta nailed the first Department of Defense Falcon Heavy launch and the first DoD Falcon Heavy booster reuse. Additionally, the installation crafted the initial mission assurance plan for United Launch Alliances next generation Vulcan Rocket by validating over 100 launch tasks, authored 300 requirements, and overseeing the first static-fire test. These efforts postured the nation to end our reliance on Russian manufactured engines and exponentially increase our space launch capability.

The installation services team also produced the Space Force’s top childcare program and created a free voluntary kindergarten program.

Margaret Bereano, Installations and Mission Support chief for the United States Space Force said, “in a year of many challenges, the Airmen and Guardians at Patrick SFB excelled in providing mission support to their many operational customers. They were innovative in their approach to launch operations and aggressive in solving problems. Congratulations to Space Launch Delta 45!”

For information about each winning installation’s accomplishments, visit http://www.acq.osd.mil/EIE.
 

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