Naval Air Station Whiting Field will be one of Commander Navy Region Southeast's nominees for the prestigious USS Bainbridge Award following Wednesday's announcement of the Flagship Awards for Navy Community Service.

The Flagship Awards recognize outstanding community service programs throughout the Navy every year in five categories: Personal Excellence Partnership; Health, Safety and Fitness; Campaign Drug Free; Project Good Neighbor; and Environmental Stewardship. Shore, sea, and overseas commands are eligible to compete in three categories, based on the size of the command.

NAS Whiting Field ranked first in four categories and second in Campaign Drug Free within the region to earn the nod to represent CNRSE for the USS Bainbridge award for overall excellence in community service. NAS Whiting Field will compete in the medium ashore category.

In her message announcing the winners, Commander Navy Region Southeast Rear Admiral Mary Jackson praised the installations for their service to others.

"This years recipients epitomized our core values and demonstrated a sincere commitment to community service throughout the Southeast Region," she said. "My sincerest personal thanks to all commands and individuals who selflessly volunteered their time to improve the quality of life in our local communities."

Naval Air Station Whiting Field's nomination package showcased the base's 22,129 hours of volunteer service towards goals to inspire community youths in their professional development and life-skills, improving the quality of life for struggling families, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and emphasizing educational outreach in the good stewardship of environmental resources. Volunteer programs and events that exemplified the installation's efforts throughout 2015, included: Men in Action, Earth Day, Sea Cadets, Civil Air Patrol, 12 Months of Running, Bay Area Food Bank, and other opportunities that helped to make positive impacts in the local community.

"Santa Rosa County and NAS Whiting Field have an amazing relationship that fosters tremendous goodwill between the residents and our military/civilian team at the installation. We truly want to be good neighbors within our community and my team here at Whiting Field displays that spirit every day," Capt. Todd Bahlau stated.


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