Joint Base Andrews wins 2026 Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award

Joint Base Andrews has been named the Department of the Air Force winner of the 2026 Commander-in-Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence, recognizing top base management and quality-of-life performance across the services.

Home to about 26,000 joint military and civilian personnel, the Maryland installation credits its success to cross-service integration and around-the-clock, high-profile mission execution. U.S. Air Force Col. Jun S. Oh, 316th Wing commander and the installation commander, said the base’s strength lies in its “joint force of Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Guardians, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians [who] work seamlessly to execute high-visibility, no-fail national security missions every single day.” He called the win “a powerful testament to the daily dedication of our team.”

Established in 1985, the installation excellence award honors one top-performing base from each service. This year’s competition featured multiple high-profile nominees; Hurlburt Field, Florida, was named runner-up, followed by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Aviano Air Base, Italy.

As the host wing, the 316th Wing underpins the installation with contingency response, security, personnel, contracting, finance, logistics, and infrastructure support tied to $6.9 billion in assets. Over the past fiscal year, the base managed an unusual concentration of National Special Security Events, serving as the primary logistical and ceremonial hub for the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, the 60th presidential inauguration, and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday parade.

U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Lemon, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility Washington, called the award a “powerful validation of our incredible teamwork” despite the surge in requirements. Leaders said they mitigated staffing and funding pressures by maximizing existing personnel and assets to protect national leadership while sustaining daily flightline operations.

“Our mission sets at Joint Base Andrews are broad in scope and high in visibility. From presidential and special airlift missions to distinguished Naval airlift that projects diplomacy across the globe, and from strategic air refueling to homeland defense and continuity of government operations, our Airmen deliver on every front,” Oh said. “Their dedication keeps JBA resilient, secure, and mission-ready.”

The base also expanded community engagement and global reach through its 2025 air show, partnering with major Washington-area sports franchises to engage an estimated 3.9 million residents and draw a record 150,000 spectators. A streamlined livestream operation reduced typical production costs by two-thirds while broadcasting to about 24 million viewers worldwide.

Leaders highlighted investments in quality-of-life improvements, including a full renovation of a 120-room dormitory for single service members and groundbreaking for a $25 million Child Development Center aimed at bolstering family readiness. Lemon said the base’s approach is grounded in “clear communication and mutual respect.” He added, “When everyone understands the bigger picture and respects the heavy lift each service has here, it is much easier to pull together.”

“What truly sets JBA apart is the sheer scale, complexity, and national significance of our daily operations,” Oh said. “Around here, we like to say: ‘It’s just another JBA day.’”