Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 2/19/2026
Item Status: New
From: Commissioner Charles F. Gruber, District 4
Submitted by: Barbara Pate, Commission Executive Assistant
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Recognition of Naval Air Station Whiting Field's Selection as Recipient of 2026 Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award and U.S. Navy's Best Small Base Award
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Mr. Randy Roy, Community Planning & Liaison Officer, and Captain Ted “Thumbs” Elkins, Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Whiting Field will be present to discuss the awards.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Commissioner Gruber wishes to recognize Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field for receiving the 2026 Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award from the U.S. Navy. This award acknowledges the exemplary performance and innovative efforts of the personnel responsible for operating and maintaining U.S. military installations.
NAS Whiting Field, home of Training Air Wing Five, is the backbone of Naval Aviation Training, supporting approximately 60% of all primary fixed-wing flight training and 100% of all initial helicopter training for the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. NAS Whiting Field is the busiest aviation complex in the world with roughly one million flight operations annually. Over 1,200 personnel receive essential flight training through Training Air Wing Five each year.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
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If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
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Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
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FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
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Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
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