YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Yokota’s 374th Services Division has been named the best in Pacific Air Forces and now will compete for the 2006 LeMay Award, the top prize among large bases.
Each of the Air Force’s seven major commands has a representative in the race. The winner will be announced in June.
“The whole squadron is over the moon,” said Lisa Knight Stevens, 374th Services Division marketing director. “There’s not a base in PACAF that’s not stellar. … They’re breaking boundaries all over the place, doing wonderful things for customers and thinking outside the box. To be chosen by PACAF as the overall winner is an absolute honor.”
The LeMay Award, established in 1965, is named after Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, a World War II general and former 5th Air Force chief of staff who was a staunch advocate of quality-of-life services and programs. Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, was the 2005 recipient.
Yokota, which has never won a LeMay Award, will be evaluated by a four-member inspection team this spring. Every aspect of the services division’s operation will be scrutinized, from customer focus and programs to management, facilities and equipment.
“This was a total community effort basewide,” said Robyn Sleeth, 374th Services Division director. “But this means more to the people who work in Services. … It’s for the folks who are sitting across the counter every day doing that moment-of-truth with our customers.”
Small installations compete for the Eubank Award. Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, prevailed in that category and is PACAF’s nominee for that honor.
