Washington, D.C. – NAS Pensacola & NAS Whiting Field Community, home to Naval Station Pensacola and Naval Air Station Whiting Field, is one of five communities across the country named to the 2021 Class of Great American Defense Communities, the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced today in conjunction with USAA, the program’s official sponsor.
“We are excited to honor the Pensacola region throughout 2021,” said ADC President Joe Driskill. “The strength of our military starts at home, and the NAS Pensacola and NAS Whiting Field Community is a prime example of this.”
The communities recognized by the Great American Defense Communities program demonstrate exemplary work in improving the quality of life of military personnel and their families through programs, initiatives and partnerships in their regions. The 2021 class also includes Altus, Oklahoma; Coastal Georgia; Everett, Washington; and Great Falls, Montana.
“This is truly wonderful and well-deserving news for the Pensacola area. NAS Pensacola and the local communities have a long and storied history dating back 1826 and there has always been tremendous love and respect for the military here,” Capt. Tim Kinsella, Commanding Officer, NAS Pensacola said. “The base and the surrounding communities are inextricably linked, and always will be. We should all be proud of this recognition.”
The Great American Defense Communities program, now in its sixth year, recognizes the role that communities and regions with active installations in the U.S. play in supporting service members and military families. Communities are chosen through a competitive nomination process based on community building and integration, support and collaboration, and educational and employment opportunities, and family support – and this year, diversity and inclusion initiatives and COVID-19 programs were taken into consideration.
“We’re so excited to be a part of this community, and this award is a testament to the outstanding support and collaboration NAS Whiting Field receives from our local community partners. Our partnerships across the Northwest Florida panhandle have been touted as a benchmark of excellence for the Department of Defense,” added Capt. Paul N. Flores, Commanding Officer, NAS Whiting Field. “Whiting’s efforts in executing the national defense mission could not occur without the support we receive from the community, and it’s gratifying to see them recognized for their contributions to the national security of our nation.”
Learn More about Pensacola’s Military Connection
About ADC
ADC is the connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military and industry on community-military issues and installation management to enhance knowledge, information sharing and best practices. With nearly 300 communities, states, regions, and affiliated industry organization as members, ADC represents every major defense community/state in the nation. Visit defensecommunities.org to learn more.
About USAA
The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to 12.3 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.