NAS Pensacola, Whiting honored

The NAS Pensacola and NAS Whiting Field Community, home to Naval Station Pensacola and Naval Air Station Whiting Field but counted as one community, is one of five communities nationwide named to the 2021 Class of Great American Defense Communities. The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) made the announcement in conjunction with USAA, the program’s official sponsor. The communities recognized by the 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. The program is in its sixth year. 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. This year, diversity and inclusion initiatives and COVID-19 programs were taken into consideration. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 03/30/21)