The Navy has, for the first time, recognized shore installations with the same award long given to ships, submarines, and aviation units for operational excellence.
Five shore facilities received the 2025 Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E,” award, the Navy announced in a Jan. 6 release. The award aims to honor installations that improve mission readiness, operational support, and quality of life.
Naval Base San Diego, the largest recipient, was recognized for increasing shuttle ridership by 200% and installing 680 electric vehicle charging stations. It won in the fleet concentration/extra-large category, the base said Thursday via Facebook.
Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands in Hawaii received the small installation award for locations outside the continental U.S. The base added two playgrounds and opened its fitness center for 24-hour access, according to a Jan. 5 news release. The base employs about 900 civilians and 80 Navy personnel, according to information posted July 9 on the Defense Visual Information Distribution System.
“Our core mission at [Pacific Missile Range Facility] is to enhance warfighter readiness through fleet training and support of test and evaluation events,” said base commander Capt. Robert Prince. “Excellent leadership at all levels and steadfast support from our civilian staff is critical to this mission.”
Other recipients included:
• Naval Station Mayport, Florida (large installation), for ship and aviation support, ordnance handling, and housing services.
• Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida (medium installation), for sustaining more than 1 million flight operations while meeting conservation goals.
• Naval Air Facility El Centro, California (small installation within the continental United States), for supporting large-scale aviation training with a strong safety record.
First awarded in 1976, the traditional Battle “E” recognizes Navy units demonstrating superior performance, readiness, and certification completion. The updated version acknowledges support installations that contribute directly to fleet-operational readiness.
“The outstanding performance of this year’s winners is a direct reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our Sailors and civilians,” Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command, said in the release. “They are the backbone of our shore enterprise.”
