VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. —  

Vandenberg Space Force Base has been named the winner of the 2025 Space Force Installation Excellence Award and will represent the Space Force as a nominee for the prestigious Commander-in-Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence.


Col. Mark Shoemaker, commander of Space Launch Delta 30, the host unit overseeing all Spaceport and Western Range operations at Vandenberg SFB, attributed the base’s success to strong partnerships with mission partners and the exceptional dedication of Military and civilian Guardians and Airmen.


“Phenomenal teamwork is the foundation of our success and key to creatively meeting emerging combat power challenges,” Shoemaker said. “From our outstanding mission execution to our superb resource management, from process improvement to implementing innovative ideas across all base operations, our relentless commitment to the mission and connection with our teammates demonstrates the excellence and service we provide for the Department of the Air Force as we deliver global combat capability.” 


The Commander-in-Chief’s Award, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1985, recognizes outstanding efforts in operating and maintaining Department of Defense installations while effectively using resources to support the mission.


The Department of Defense is expected to announce the official winners of the Commander-in-Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence later this summer.


In addition to the base-wide honor, 28 individuals and teams from Vandenberg SFB were nominated for Special Recognition, acknowledging exemplary achievements in supporting installation excellence. Special Recognition winners will receive certificates signed by the Secretary of Defense.


Special recognition was awarded to:




30th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Mr. Robert S. Snyder
30th Civil Engineering Squadron, Ms. Cannen Chan
30th Force Support Squadron, Mr. Gerard W. Hicks
30th Force Support Squadron, Mr. John M. Mead
30th Force Support Squadron, Mr. Joseph J. Mueller
30th Force Support Squadron, Mr. Jonathan W. Huppke
30th Force Support Squadron, Ms. Jennifer Kreps
30th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Technical Seargent Kevin M. Dunn
The Space Launch Delta 30, Safety Office
The Space Launch Delta 30, Public Affairs Office
The Space Launch Delta 30, Human Performance Optimization Center
The 30th Contracting Squadron
The 30th Force Support Squadron, Education Center
The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire Department
The 30th Force Support Squadron, Military & Family Readiness Center
The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team
The 30th Operations Support Squadron, Weather Flight
The 30th Operations Support Squadron, Airfield Operations Flight
The 30th Force Support Squadron, Food Service Team
The 30th Medical Group, Ancillary Services
The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Emergency Management Flight
The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Environmental Office
The 30th Security Forces Squadron, Operations Deployment Team
The Base Communications Directorate and 30th Force Support Squadron, 30th Space Communications Squadron Inactivation Team
The 2d Range Operations Squadron and Space Launch Delta 30 Safety Office, Hypersonic Test Team
The 576th Flight Test Squadron and 377th Test and Evaluation Group, Shielded Enclosure Refurbishment Team