Facilities Excellence Award Published April 17, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Officials announced in November Malmstrom had been selected as the winner of the Air Force Space Command Facilities Excellence Award for large installation. The AFSPC Facilities Excellence Program was established to promote excellence in facility exterior and interior appearance, functionality, maintenance and operations, said Christian Delarosa, a 341st Civil Engineer Squadron mechanical engineer. The program is biennial and concentrates on large installations, small installations and missile alert facilities. Areas of inspection are dormitories, Airmen's dining facilities, information management, headquarters, tenants, communications, medical and security forces facilities. Maintenance, munitions, supply, comptroller and personnel facilities are also inspected in the process. The family support center, museum, Airman Leadership School, sports and fitness center, health and wellness center, Grizzly Bend Club, base civil engineer and military family housing facilities were inspected as well. There are many criteria for evaluation including cleanliness and overall neatness of workstations, common areas, equipment rooms and special purpose rooms, as well as maintaining facility consistency and standards. Fifteen facilities were evaluated by a four-member team from AFSPC headquarters in June. Building 500, the heat plant, buildings 870 and 850 (341st Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance shop), the Lewis and Clark Grill, base chapel, Child Development Center, north and south gate facilities, Dorm 737, building 470 (Civil Engineer Squadron), combat arms training and maintenance, fire department, clinic, building 780 (missile services), corrosion control and the wing commander's home were inspected. "The team was very positive at the out-brief," Mr. Delarosa said. "Noteworthy facilities in areas of excellence include force protection standards, CDC, corrosion control, clinic, lodging, dorms, fam-camps, military family housing and fire station." Malmstrom received not only the trophy for this award, but also $200,000 for improvements around base. $125 thousand will go to enhancement of cardio facilities at the sports and fitness center, aerobics funds and to support intramural sports programs. The remaining $75 thousand will be used to fix the marquees at each entrance to the base. "I am just really proud of our team here and the great things we make happen for the wing," said Lt. Col. Daniel Costello, 341st CES commander.