Patrick Space Base Awarded Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) – On July 1, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced that Patrick Space Base has been awarded the annual Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence. This prestigious award honors the exceptional and innovative efforts of teams who operate and maintain U.S. military installations.
Each year, one base from each military service, plus the Defense Logistics Agency, is selected for this recognition. This year, the Space Force Outstanding Selection Committee, comprising a cross-functional team from U.S. Space Force Headquarters staff, chose Patrick Space Base for its exemplary mission support and innovative programs.
Outstanding Mission Support and Innovation
The Board commended Patrick SFB’s mission guardians and partners for their outstanding support, which focused on innovation, efficiency, cost control, and maintaining a high quality of life for families and single guardians. Patrick Air Force Base is home to Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD45), which provides installation support and collaborates with other defense and Air Force mission partners.
Achievements in Launch Control and Mission Assurance
SLD45 has pioneered a cross-shore concept of operations, streamlining launch control capabilities by synchronizing the commands of Patrick SFB and Vandenberg SFB into a single focal point. This initiative has significantly improved mission assurance and training uniformity, reduced manpower requirements by 50%, and increased mission assurance by 110%. Key achievements include:
- Successfully launching the Department of Defense Falcon Heavy and reusing a Falcon Heavy booster.
- Crafting the initial mission assurance plan for United Launch Alliance’s next-generation Vulcan Rocket, validating over 100 launch missions, and overseeing the first static launch test.
- These efforts have positioned the U.S. to end reliance on Russian-built engines and enhance space launch capabilities.
Exemplary Installation Services
Patrick Space Base also excelled in its Installation Services, producing the best child care program in the Space Force and creating a free volunteer preschool program. Margaret Perino, chief of installations and mission support for the U.S. Space Force, praised the base for its innovative approach and problem-solving capabilities.
“In a challenging year, the crew and guards at Patrick Space Base have excelled in providing mission support to their many operational customers,” said Perino. “They have been innovative in their approach to launch operations and aggressive in their problem-solving. Congratulations to Space Launch Delta 45!”
For more information about the accomplishments of each winning facility, visit http://www.acq.osd.mil/EIE.
