Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

SAN DIEGO – USS Milius (DDG 69) earned the coveted Battle Efficiency Award (Battle “E”) for Calendar Year 2012, according to a naval message from Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific (CNSP) released March 8. The Battle “E” recognizes the superior battle readiness of a ship and crew.

This was the first time in 10 years – and only the second time in the ship’s history – Milius has won the Battle “E”. They first earned the award in 2002.

“The Battle ‘E’ is a validation of our hard work and success in maintaining the ship, supporting our shipmates, and taking care of ourselves," said Cmdr. Stephen Shedd, Milius’ commanding officer. “This award is recognition and validation of the enormous time and effort the crew put into the tenets of ‘mission, ship, shipmate and self’. The Battle ‘E’ and Command Excellence awards cover all aspects of our profession, and it takes a dedicated team to make it all come together.”

To win the Battle “E”, a ship must excel in a number of areas specified by CNSP. Milius met all criteria by earning Excellence Awards in: Maritime Warfare; Engineering/Survivability; Command, Control, Communications and Information Warfare; Logistics Management; and Ship Safety.

The command spent 2012 completing an eight-month deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility; participating in numerous joint air and missile defense exercises; conducting maritime security operations; and playing key roles in several multi-national training scenarios.

First-time Battle “E” recipients said they were excited to receive the award for their accomplishments. “We worked really hard all through deployment and after,” said QMSN Shane McMurdo. “It’s great to be recognized for all the effort we put in. I’m really proud,” he said.

STG2(SW) Evelyn Perez, another first-time Battle “E” recipient, echoed that sentiment. “We’ve accomplished a lot in the past year, and I think receiving the Battle ‘E’ is a great reward for the crew’s hard work.”

CMDCM(SW/AW) Lisa Thomas, Milius’ command master chief, added, “the Captain always says, ‘Success breeds success,’ and we have a winning team right now. Our challenge will be to maintain this level of performance going forward.”

Milius is now authorized to display her achievements by painting white, black, red, green, blue, and yellow “E”s on her bridge wings, and all Sailors serving onboard during 2012 are entitled to wear the Navy “E” ribbon.

“We must maintain and hold this high standard. We have achieved something great in the ship's life,” stated Shedd in an announcement to his Sailors following notification of the award. “This is a testament to a very impressive crew, and to say I’m proud of you is an understatement,” he concluded.

Milius is currently undergoing an extended drydock selected restricted availability (EDSRA) and is moored at BAE Shipyard in San Diego. Milius is part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21.