Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field received the USS Bainbridge award for outstanding community service for 2015, Feb. 26.

The award recognizes a Navy command that engaged in exemplary voluntary community service activities with local communities.

Each year the Navy selects one command, regardless of size or command type, to be recognized for its outstanding service to its local community. Sailors at NAS Whiting Field earned the recognition by greatly improving the lives of more than 43,000 members of their local community by donating more than 15,000 hours through partnerships with local agencies.

NAS Whiting Field was recognized in four of the five Navy Flagship Award categories for community service. Within the Medium Ashore category, NAS Whiting Field finished first in the Environmental Stewardship and Personal Excellence categories while receiving an honorable mention in Health Safety and Fitness and second in Project Good Neighbor.

"Naval Air Station Whiting Field has a tremendous team of Sailors and civilians who truly care about the local community and our fellow residents," Commanding Officer Capt. Todd Bahlau said. "I couldn't be prouder of my team and the selfless way they give of their time and effort to try to enrich the lives of others."

NAS Whiting Field helped support more than 60 different events throughout 2015. The installation created 30 new community service relationships during the year and more than 400 command members participated in some fashion. The NAS Whiting Field's team participated in a wide array of events such as: United Way Day of Caring, Earth Day, Drug Education for Youth, Blackwater River Cleanup, Adopt-a-Highway, Covenant Hospice Veterans' Day recognition, and many others.

Organizations that benefited from the volunteer hours provided by command personnel included: Escambia County Sea Cadets, Men in Action of Milton Florida, Civil Air Patrol, Early Learning Coalition, Bay Area Food Bank, United Way, Longleaf Alliance, and more.

The award is managed by Commander, Navy Installations Command and NAS Whiting Field was selected from a final field of 16 nominees from various regions and fleets across the globe.

"Your participation with and continued support of our Navy communities is sincerely appreciated and makes a great difference in the lives of those around you. Well done!" Vice Adm. R. L. Thomas stated in the message announcing the awards.

For more news from Naval Air Station Whiting Field, visit www.navy.mil/.