Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, earned the 2016 Battle Effectiveness Award (Battle "E") March 21.

The award comes just weeks after Navy leadership touted Mason and its crew as the epitome of "toughness" and a model in which to measure other warfighters throughout the fleet.

"This award is a well-deserved recognition for the Mason Sailors," said Cmdr. Stephen Aldridge, Mason's commanding officer. "The dedication to excellence by the crew was evident all year, from the superb [Board of] Inspection and Survey (INSURV) scores in January, the missile exercise, and Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) in the spring, to a seven-month combat deployment to 5th and 6th Fleets."

To be considered for the Battle "E," surface ships must demonstrate excellence in a minimum of 4 of 5 command-measured criteria including maritime warfare, engineering and survivability, command and control, logistics management, and ship safety.

"I'm honored to be a member of such a prestigious crew," said Yeoman Seaman Tyshawn Beckwith. "It felt good to receive the recognition for some of the things we did last year."

Every Mason Sailor who was attached to the ship during 2016 is now eligible to wear a Battle "E" ribbon to signify their contribution to exemplifying Mason's qualities of toughness, readiness, and combat capability in all warfare areas. Sailors who have previously received a Battle "E" are now authorized to wear an additional "E" on their uniform.

Mason, is currently at its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after returning from a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

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

For more news from USS Mason (DDG 87), visit www.navy.mil/local/ddg87 or www.facebook.com/MASONDDG87/.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.