Navy Information Operations Command Maryland (NIOC) Maryland was awarded the USS Bainbridge (CGN 25) Award for Overall Excellence in Community Service for 2014 the Navy announced March 17.

The award recognizes NIOC Maryland for exemplary voluntary community service activities working with local communities.

"I'm extremely proud of this achievement and more importantly of the men and women of NIOC Maryland who were directly responsible for the recognition of this award," said Capt. D. E. Elam, commanding officer, NIOC Maryland.

"Our Sailors understand that while their primary role is to serve and support our Nation's interests at the strategic, operational and tactical levels of warfare, we also have an inherent responsibility to the local community that supports us and our families," Elam said. "It is my hope that in some small way, we are making a positive difference daily for those in and out of uniform."

Through the command's committed partnerships with local agencies, NIOC Maryland Sailors greatly improved the lives of more than five and-a-half million members of their local community. Sailors' saved more than $109,000 in manpower cost due to the participation of 1,443 volunteers, which culminated in their receipt of the Presidential Call to Service Award, according to the announcement.

The Bainbridge award is presented to only one command, exhibiting overall excellence. The program is designed to recognize the most outstanding community service programs by the individual commands.

"Selection was highly competitive with the winner chosen from a field of 14 outstanding nominees," said Vice Adm. S. H. Swift, director, Navy Staff, in the official Navy message. "The top four nominees were extremely close, and I extend a special, well done to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti; USS Constitution; and Naval Air Station Pensacola for receiving honorable mention."

NIOC Maryland was able to compete for the Bainbridge award after winning four Flagship Regional Community Service Programs (NCSP).

"NIOC Maryland is an example of effective leadership, great organization, good training, and dedicated volunteers coming together to make a difference in our communities where we live and work," said Olivia Hunter, Naval District Washington, Regional Community Service program manager.

NIOC Maryland's primary mission is to conduct information operations and to provide cryptologic and related capability to the fleet, joint and national commanders as well as administrative and personnel support to Department of the Navy members assigned to the Fort Meade area. NIOC Maryland is a subordinate command of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and comprises Task Force 1060 of the U.S. 10th Fleet.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCC/C10F/