Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC-23) has been awarded the USS Bainbridge (CGN 25) Award for Overall Excellence in Community Service for 2017 the Navy announced Jan 12.

This annual award recognizes HSC-23 as the top Navy command engaged in exemplary voluntary community service activities while working within local communities.

"The Sailors of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 demonstrated outstanding commitment to their community and supported one of the CNO's core lines of effort by expanding and strengthening our Navy partnerships," said Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, commander, Navy Installations Command. "HSC-23 set the bar for community service and community involvement, and I look forward to seeing other commands follow their exceptional lead."

According to their winning entry, Sailors of HSC-23 greatly improved the lives of thousands of people within their local community by contributing more than 2,500 volunteer hours through partnerships with local agencies. One of those was the Ronald McDonald House charity, where Sailors prepared housing and meals for the families of children with life-threatening conditions being treated at nearby hospitals.

"Your proactive engagement has made a positive difference to the people who live in the communities that surround our installations," said Jackson. "Well done."

To be eligible for the award, a command must have participated in at least three of the five community service flagship awards, which include Personal Excellence Partnership, Campaign Drug-Free, Health, Safety and Fitness, Environmental Stewardship, and Project Good Neighbor.

The community service award cycle runs from July 1 of the current year until June 30 of the following year. For additional information about the Navy's Community Service Program, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/cnic/cnic_hq/om/base_support/command_and_staff/public-affairs/navy-community-service-program.html.

Navy Installations Command is comprised of approximately 53,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide responsible for the operations, maintenance, and quality of life programs to support the Navy's fleet, fighters, and their families.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/.