RGB Takes Ney, Battle 'E'

RGB is one of only three ships in the entire Navy to earn both the Battle "E" and the Ney Award.

The Battle "E" is awarded by the Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC). The ship must demonstrate a combination of sustained superior performance, operational effectiveness, and continuous readiness. Robert G. Bradley is one of three winners of the Battle "E" in Destroyer Squadron 14.

RGB also earned the Engineering/Survivability Excellence Award recognizing superior engineering and damage control readiness, the Logistics Management Excellence Award recognizing excellence in management of material and financial resources, the Command and Control Excellence Award recognizing sustained superior performance in shipboard operations relating to matters of command, control and communications, intelligence, electronic warfare, and cryptologic employment, and the Maritime Warfare Excellence Award recognizing sustained superior performance and readiness to conduct a ship's prescribed military missions. The Force Health and Wellness Unit Award (Green "H") recognizes excellence in establishing and promoting a command climate conducive to wellness and health promotion.

RGB earned the Ney Award placing first among 30 frigates in the entire Navy. The annual award is co-sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA) and the Secretary of the Navy to recognize excellence in food service with the objective of improving quality of life for Navy personnel. Culinary Specialist (Surface Warfare) Mark St. Hilaire, who was also RGB's 2008 Sailor of the Year, will represent RGB in Atlanta, GA at the Ney Awards Ceremony in April.

"Winning both the Battle 'E' and the Ney Award demonstrates that RGB Sailors understand the importance of honest self-assessment, developing plans to achieve goals, assigning responsibilities, and executing efficiently as a matter of routine. I am very pleased that their tireless efforts have been recognized. It is an honor to serve alongside the best Sailors in the Navy," said Commander Clint Carroll, RGB's commanding officer.

The news was received while making a Theater Security Cooperation port visit to the country of Tanzania in Southeast Africa. The crew was thrilled to learn about receiving the two awards.

"With this being my first deployment and having the Ney and the Battle 'E' Awards, Robert G. Bradley has set a standard that I wish to seek in every command for the rest of my career," said Sonar Technician 3rd Class James Lengyelleahu.

Robert G. Bradley is currently deployed to the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility in support of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa.