Photo By Patrick Focke | Each year, the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence...... read more read more
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Each year, the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence commends one Air Force installation for its outstanding dedication to mission support, operational efficiency, energy conservation, and quality of life through innovation and cross-collaboration. On Jan. 8, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, was evaluated by Brig. Gen. Brian S. Hartless, Director of Air Force Civil Engineers, and the Installation Excellence Selection Board as a 2025 finalist.
JBLE has distinguished itself as an exceptional installation through its operational achievements and unique dual-location structure, combining the capabilities of Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis. Operating as a joint base since 2010, JBLE embodies a model of integration, fostering strong community partnerships on and off base.
“Being a finalist for the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence is a tremendous honor for the Airmen, Soldiers, civilians, and families at Joint Base Langley-Eustis as well as the entire Hampton Roads community,” Col. Matthew Altman, 633rd Air Base Wing Commander, shared. “It signifies recognition of their unwavering dedication, innovative efforts, and exceptional performance in supporting numerous Department of Defense missions.”
In the wake of Hurricane Michael's devastating impact on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, JBLE facilitated the F-22 Formal Training Unit's transition to Langley, preserving mission continuity with negligible disruption. The phased relocation of aircraft, personnel, and resources highlighted JBLE's operational prowess and ability to adapt to ever-changing demands. Today, the 1st Fighter Wing at JBLE plays a pivotal role in maintaining half of the Air Force’s F-22 inventory, deploying air power to meet combatant commander taskings. JBLE showcased the world’s premier fifth-generation fighter and capabilities of its pilots through a F-22 demonstration before the selection board.
The selection board also had the opportunity to tour recently-prioritized infrastructure investments. Notable projects included a new state-of-the-art consolidated operations and maintenance hangar, and upgrades to the existing Bethel Fire Station, among others. As part of the modernization efforts, Langley firefighters are equipped with advanced emergency response technology like the Fotokite drone system—the first of its kind on any Department of the Air Force base.
In terms of energy resilience, JBLE demonstrated a strong commitment through initiatives like a cutting-edge electric vehicle charging hub with 37 stations. The project supports the transition to a 100 percent light-use electric vehicle fleet by 2035, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy resilience.
Through extensive and innovative solutions to bolster access to childcare services, JBLE initiated a project to expand childcare capacity 34 percent and drove a significant 33 percent surge in the installation's Family Child Care Homes program during FY24. An emphasis on childcare initiatives helped elevate the quality of life for service members and their families while simultaneously maximizing combat readiness. By reducing the lack of sufficient childcare as a barrier to work, JBLE optimized the time Airmen can spend on core mission-critical functions. One novel initiative JBLE took to provide extended hour childcare services even enabled the 1st FW to execute the most successful flying hour program in F-22 history.
JBLE’s dedication to improving quality of life is further made apparent by its extensive amenities, including recreational facilities, auto hobby shops, robust Recharge for Resiliency (R4R) programming, and more—all contributing to a thriving and resilient force.
Altman, on what it means to those who call JBLE home to be recognized as a finalist for the award, conveyed, “This accolade highlights the collective commitment to operational readiness, quality of life, and environmental stewardship, reflecting the hard work and professionalism of every member of Team JBLE. It serves as a testament to their resilience, determination, and the high standards they uphold daily.”
JBLE exemplifies the very best of military excellence, integration, and innovation across the Department of Defense, and as such, the Air Force is pleased to recognize JBLE as an esteemed finalist for the 2025 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2025 10:56 |
| Story ID: | 492856 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 202 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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