Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 10 (NCHB 10) received the Battle Efficiency "E" award, Jan. 19, for all Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) reserve cargo handling battalions.

The Battle "E" is awarded annually to commands that exhibit the supreme condition of combat readiness in their classification and for their capability to perform their wartime responsibilities.

NCHB-10 outperformed all other cargo handling battalions in several key mission areas and set records along the way. The battalion's mission readiness score increased from 53 to 90 percent, the largest readiness increase for a 12-month period by any reserve cargo handling battalion on record.

"NCHB-10 is the best cargo handling battalion in the Navy for one reason - its Sailors," said Cdr. David Bailey, commanding officer NCHB 10. "In early 2014, we trailed all other battalions in virtually every performance metric. Today, no battalion stands more ready and capable to meet its mission."

Additionally, the unit manning level grew 49 to 95 percent -- worst to first. And NCHB-10 became the only reserve battalion to ever earn a higher readiness level than their active counterparts. The battalion bested all others in Sailor promotions and its chief petty officer community grew by more than 300 percent.

"Any commander in the Navy would be proud to have led this storied unit and its unmatched Sailors," said Bailey, a native of Tifton, Georgia. "I'm especially proud, however, as I also served in NCHB-10 as an ensign almost 20 years ago. This tour far exceeded my highest expectations and, as any member of NCHB-10 can attest, my expectations were pretty high. I'm always proud of my family and the sailors, chiefs and officers of NCHB-10 are definitely family."

NCHB-10 has approximately 345 sailors of which 98 percent are reservists. The unit is rapidly deployable to provide expeditionary air, surface, terminal and fuel support globally to combatant commanders in support of contingency operations and humanitarian assistance. The battalion is comprised of 11 company-sized elements in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia.

Bailey turned over command of NCHB-10 to Commander Troy Pugh, Nov. 15, during a change of command ceremony. He addressed the unit on their amazing transformation during the ceremony.

"Commanding NCHB-10 has been the highlight of my career," said Bailey. "You've amazed and humbled me at every turn with your dedication to the mission and commitment to each other. Clearly, you've proven your mettle. You should be proud. Continue to set the bar high."

NCHB 10 supports Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, a component of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, which delivers expeditionary logistics capabilities with mobilization-ready Navy Reserve forces and active-duty Sailors. They provide a wide range of supply and transportation functions critical for peacekeeping, crisis response, humanitarian assistance, and combat service support missions.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, visit http://www.navy.mil/.