Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola’s Navy Exchange (NEX) Aviation Plaza was awarded the 2017 Bingham Award by Rear Adm. Robert Bianchi, the Navy Exchange Command (NEXCOM) chief executive officer, during a ceremony at the Aviation Plaza Dec. 19.

The Bingham Award, designed to recognize excellence in customer service, operations and management at NEX activities, is awarded annually to the best NEX facilities in nine sales categories for overall financial results and customer service. The NAS Pensacola Aviation Plaza was recognized as the top performer in Sales Category 3 - $21 to $35 million.

NEX Pensacola General Manager Steven Foster said the award represents the hard work and dedication the nearly 450 Pensacola-area NEX employees demonstrate each day, serving the more than 30,000 service members, military retirees and other eligible patrons annually.

“We (NEX Pensacola) have one of the largest populations of eligible patrons in the NEXCOM enterprise,” he said. “The team here ensures that the needs of the population are met – from uniform needs to clothing to electronics – and I couldn’t be more proud of the professional manner in which this staff ensures a pleasant shopping experience for all customers.”

NEX Pensacola’s Aviation Plaza is a series of specialty stores including a uniform shop, personalized services, barber shop, electronics department and a food court.

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin said receipt of the award showcases the commitment and professionalism of the entire NEX staff.

“At every facility I’ve been assigned to during my 30 years in the Navy, the Navy Exchange has always been a constant,” he said. “The manner in which the NEX Pensacola Aviation Plaza team has taken care of the thousands of Sailors here is exemplary, something this award recognizes. The NAS Pensacola community is heavily reliant on the outstanding services the NEX offers, and I’m proud of the employees who continue meeting the needs of the service members and their families who live and work here.”

The Bingham Award is named for the late Capt. W.H. Bingham, former CEO of R.H. Macy’s and appointed by the Secretary of the Navy in 1946 to lead an advisory board for establishment of what is now NEXCOM.

NEXCOM is headquarters for the worldwide NEXCOM enterprise, an organization designed to provide authorized customers quality goods and services at a savings and to support Navy quality of life programs for active-duty military, retirees, Reservists and their families.

NAS Pensacola, referred to as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," is designed to support operational and training missions of tenant commands, including Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21 and 23 and is the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

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