Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation during the region's change of command ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, Feb. 23.

Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, commander, Navy Installations Command, presented the award to Rear Adm. Mary Jackson prior to Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar relieving her as region commander.

The award covered the region's meritorious service from October 2014 to December 2016, and recognized the extraordinary leadership and foresight in support of 18 installations and 24,000 facilities.

The Navy Region Southeast team was cited for its flawless response to the Navy Recruiting Station and Navy Operations Support Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in response to an active shooter incident, July 2015; its execution of response task force responsibilities during the Nuclear Weapons Accident-Incident Exercise in Kings Bay, Georgia, April 2016; and for the staff's emergency management efforts during Hurricane Matthew September-October 2016.

The award also recognized Region Southeast's success in supporting the secretary of the Navy's (SECNAV) renewable energy goals, including it's aggressive energy conservation efforts.

The award was signed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation flag is flying proudly in front of the region headquarters building.

The Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation was authorized by SECNAV Notice 1650, July 17, 1967, and is awarded by the SECNAV, CNO, or master chief petty officer of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself, under combat or non-combat conditions, by either valorous or meritorious achievement, which renders the unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service.

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