Base named Installation Excellence finalist Published Dec. 15, 2006 By 2nd Lt. Lauren Johnson 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Every Airman likes to think his base is best. At Hurlburt Field, that claim just may be true. On Dec. 6, Hurlburt was named a finalist for the Commander-In-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Hurlburt is one of three Air Force bases to be nominated for the award, which honors one installation from each branch as "best in the service." Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and Columbus AFB, Miss. were also selected. Col. Timothy Leahy, 1st Special Operations Wing vice commander believes the nomination is well deserved. "This will highlight to the rest of the Air Force what the quiet professionals are doing day in and day out down here on the Emerald Coast," Colonel Leahy said. Unlike many awards which honor a specific unit or individual, the Installation Excellence Award focuses on the entire base. It recognizes outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations. Lt. Col. Steven Kimball, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group deputy commander and nomination package coordinator, said the nomination package captured "outstanding achievements in every group and partner unit." Colonel Leahy agreed that Hurlburt Field epitomizes the "team effort" aspect of the award. "We're maintaining the highest ops tempo in the Air Force, we're at the tip of the spear in fighting the Global War on Terrorism, and we're committed to providing high quality life for our Airmen and their families," Colonel Leahy said. The installation excellence selection board will visit the three finalists between Jan. 28 and Feb. 7 to determine the Air Force winner, said Colonel Kimball. "Their first objective is to validate the nomination package and get a feel for the level of commitment and enthusiasm we have to our base and mission," the colonel said, adding, "A lot is at stake." Besides recognizing the strength and commitment of Hurlburt Airmen, the winner of the Air Force Installation Excellence Award will receive $1 million to invest in their base. Hurlburt Field is a veteran competing for the award, last winning in 2003. Colonel Leahy is confident the base has the capabilities to bring the trophy home again this year. "When the team arrives and understands what it's like to be an Air Commando, they'll see we are the best in the Air Force," Colonel Leahy said.