RAF Lakenheath prospect for Installation Excellence Award Published Oct. 28, 2013 USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa vice commander, announced the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., as the 2013 USAFE-AFAFRICA Installation Excellence Award recipient Oct. 27. This award is the 48th FW's ticket to compete as the USAFE-AFAFRICA representative against the other major commands within the Air Force for the 2013 Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award. The recipient of that award will receive $1 million for quality-of-life improvements on the base. The runner-up will receive $500,000. "Thanks for your role in recognizing the outstanding efforts of the professionals who operate and maintain your installations," said Jones in an email to command leaders. "I know through your leadership, you'll continue to create environments that promote innovative and creative ways of enhancing base-level services, facilities, and quality of life." The Installation Excellence Award, initiated in 1984, recognizes "the outstanding efforts of the people who operate and maintain Department of Defense installations, and effectively use their resources to support the mission," according to the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff's announcement for the award. "I also want to extend my appreciation to all wings who participated in this year's Installation Excellence competition; they are outstanding examples of first-class organizations, and their hard work and pride are clearly evident," said Jones.