Commander, Naval Surface Forces recently awarded the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) the Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) award.

The Battle “E” is awarded annually to ships, submarines, aviation and other units to recognize the overall mission readiness of the command. Momsen’s consideration for the prestigious award was based on the ship’s sustained, superior performance throughout the year.

“The Battle ‘E’ represents an all-hands effort to maintain and improve the material readiness, training and warfighting capabilities of a ship,” said Momsen Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Robert W. Bodvake. “The attitude and superb teamwork of the crew was what made us successful.”

The award also recognized the efforts of Momsen Sailors during her 2008 deployment.

“By earning the Battle ‘E’, Momsen has displayed the ultimate example of teamwork,” said the ship’s navigator, Ensign Jon-Andrew D. Anderson.  “Every department, every division, and every Sailor, enlisted and officer, had to work extremely closely with one another in order to obtain such an honorable award.”

One deck department Sailor said the ship would continue to do a great job, with or without the Battle ‘E’.

“We won this award through perseverance, daily teamwork and a “rise above” mentality,” said Boatswain’s Mate Third Class (SW) Joshua B. Love. “That’s the attitude that makes our Navy the greatest in the world.”

Momsen’s keel was laid in 2001 and the destroyer was commissioned August 28, 2004 in Panama City, Florida.

Momsen departed for its second deployment in March 2008 as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. During the deployment, Momsen provided critical humanitarian assistance for two foreign vessels, a stranded cargo vessel with engine problems and a former hijacked merchant vessel requiring food, water and medical attention.

Momsen returned home in October 2008 after a seven-month deployment.