USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Mustin (DDG 89) were named as some of the recipients of the Battle Effectiveness (Battle "E") Award for 2015.

The Battle Effectiveness award is granted yearly for ships, submarines and other Navy units that demonstrate superior performance throughout a year-long evaluation. The evaluation is an assessment of the command's readiness to carry out its primary mission areas.

The ships are routinely deployed to participate in various missions and exercises with the U.S. Navy's allies and partners throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

Antietam, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, was previously awarded the Battle "E" award in 2014. Antietam has played a supporting role in the 7th Fleet area of operations since 2013, where she completed a hull swap with USS Cowpens (CG 63). Antietam had the opportunity to assist in the aid mission following the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

"It's truly an honor for Antietam to be named as a "Battle E" recipient," said Capt. Michael McCartney, commanding officer of Antietam. "The crew did an incredible job this year and I couldn't be more proud of the work they have accomplished."

Mustin, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has won the Battle "E" award every year since 2012. Mustin joined 7th Fleet in 2006 where she has supported numerous missions including a relief mission to Bangkok, Thailand after flooding occurred in 2011. Mustin was sent to the Philippines in 2013 as part of the aid mission during the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

"It is truly an honor for Mustin to be selected as a 2015 Battle "E" recipient," said Cmdr. Thane Clarke, commanding officer of Mustin. "The Sailors of the Mustin Nation really gave an all-in effort this past year, and I could not be more proud of all that our team has accomplished."

Both ships are forward-deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations and operate from Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Yokosuka, Japan.

For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/.