The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) was awarded the 2016 Battle Effectiveness (Battle "E") Award and 2016 Unit Tactics Award, March 14.

The Battle "E" is awarded annually to ships and crews demonstrating their ability to sustain maximum condition of readiness and capability to perform assigned tasks in an operational environment. Ships and crews must demonstrate superior achievement during certifications and qualifications, to be nominated for the award.

Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Forces, congratulated the recipients of the 2016 Battle "E" Award in his announcement message.

McCampbell was commissioned in August 17, 2002 and the 2016 Battle "E" marks the third time that McCampbell has received the recognition. In 2016, McCampbell earned four Command Excellence Awards: Maritime Warfare Excellence Award (Black "E"); Engineering/Survivability Excellence Award (Red "E"); Command, Control, Communications, and Information Warfare Excellence Award (Green "E"); and the Logistics Management Excellence Award (Blue "E").

"I am really proud of the crew and everything they have accomplished," said Cmdr. Ed Angelinas, McCampbell's commanding officer. "They continue to excel in their performance and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to recognize their outstanding efforts."

As one of eight destroyers attached to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, McCampbell participated in joint and multi-national exercises independently and with a carrier strike group during 2016. Some of these exercises were: GUAMEX 2016; India's International Fleet Review; Multi Sail 2016; Balikatan 2016; Valiant Shield 2016; Invincible Spirit 2016; Keen Sword 2016; and CARAT Brunei 2016.

In addition to McCampbell, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), also assigned to DESRON 15, received the 2016 Battle "E" Award along with the "Bloodhound" Award for anti-submarine warfare proficiency.

"The COMDESRON FIFTEEN Team has performed admirably this year and I am very proud of all the Destroyer Sailors and their efforts to maintain and improve war fighting readiness across the Squadron," said Capt. Jeff Bennett, commander, Destroyer Squadron 15. "The decision to nominate these best of the best crews was tough, and I congratulate all of you for the multiple efficiency awards earned across the Squadron. Many of our ships have earned an efficiency award for the first time this year - well done. Your commitment to readiness and tactical excellence is commended. A special congratulations to Captains McKeon and Angelinas and your crews for setting the highest standards in combat readiness and effectiveness."

McCampbell Sailors who were members of the ship's crew during 2016 are now eligible to wear the Battle "E" ribbon on their uniforms, and Sailors who have a previous Battle "E" can now add an additional "E" to the ribbon.

McCampbell is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.


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