Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach has again been selected as the winner of the Commander, Navy Region Southwest Installation Excellence Award for Small Installations, as announced Oct. 27.
"This is the fourth time in five years that we have been honored with this prestigious award," said base Commanding Officer Capt. Jason Sherman. "It's obvious that there is something extremely special about our team here."
The award recognizes bases for superior support to the fleet, cost savings, and innovative improvements to facilities, quality of life, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“The results clearly speak to the many great things the personnel aboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach have accomplished,” said the Commander of Navy Region Southwest, Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar.
In the past year base personnel led efforts to build a new ammunition pier, add solar power and battery backup systems, upgrade fitness facilities, improve the safety and security of base operations, and continue supporting the fleet in a COVID environment.
“This is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication our military and civilian staff put forth every day of the year," said Sherman. "I am extremely proud to be a member of such a forward thinking, dedicated organization.
"The weapons station will next represent the Southwest region in the competition for the best small installation throughout the Navy. That contest is scheduled to be decided by January 2021.
In 2012 and 2016 the base and its two detachments in Fallbrook and Norco, Calif. went on to win honors as the best small installation in the U.S. Navy. In 2019 the command won a respectable third place in the Navy-wide competition, out of over 30 small bases.
Commencing operations in 1944 as a Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach provides munitions to a majority of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.