Naval District Washington (NDW) announced the 2017 Regional Community Service Program of the Year Award winners, Sept. 21.

The awards recognize commands throughout the region with the best overall community service programs that made an outstanding impact on the quality of life in the communities they serve.

"I commend all the area commands on their community service work," said Rear Adm. Charles Rock, NDW commandant. "They all have my sincere appreciation for their support of our Navy's Community Service Program and for the positive impact they've had on their respective communities. Community service instills in our service members an ethic of service and an appreciation for giving back to the community. The winning commands are shining examples of hard work, kindness and passion for helping others. Bravo Zulu to all."

The winners of the 2017 Regional Community Service of Year Awards are:

*Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship
-Large Shore Category Regional Winner - Naval Air Station Patuxent River
-Medium Shore Category - Navy Medicine Professional

*Project Good Neighbor Flagship
-Large Shore Category Regional Winner- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington
-Medium Shore Category Regional Winner - Navy Medicine Professional Development Center

*Environmental Stewardship Flagship
-Large Shore Category Regional Winner - Naval Air Station Patuxent River
-Medium Shore Category Regional Winner - Navy Medicine Professional Development Command
-Small Shore Category Regional Winner - Navy Operational Support Center Baltimore

*Health, Safety and Fitness Flagship
-Large Shore Category regional Winner - Naval Air Station Patuxent River
-Medium Shore Category Regional Winner - Navy Medicine Professional Development Center

Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Navy Medicine Professional Development Center will compete for the 2017 USS Bainbridge Award for overall program of excellence.

"The purpose of the Navy's Community Service Awards is to promote healthy and fit lifestyles through partnerships with schools and communities and to educate and set a good example for youth in America," said Olivia Hunter, NDW community service program coordinator.

All the winners will advance in the 2017 Navy-wide competition for community service.

For more information on the Navy 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

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

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/.