The Sailors of Naval Base Kitsap’s Self Help division were recently awarded the Chief of Naval Operations’ Bronze Hammer Award for 2003 during a ceremony held at Bremerton.

Every year, the CNO recognizes Self-Help facilities throughout the Navy for their exceptional progress in improving the Naval shore establishment. Winners are chosen in six “ according to in six categories.

Self Help at NBK won the award in the small activity category, which indicates it was the best Self-Help facility at a small activity with a construction battalion in the immediate area. NBK Self Help was cited for demonstrating total commitment to the program.

They accomplished this commitment by improving living conditions for naval personnel and their family members dependents; and enhancing workspaces, and Morale, Welfare and Recreational facilities. Self-Help’s successful mission was made possible by its funding of $120,287 of self-help project materials and completing more than 60 projects for a total of 1,988 man-days.

The projects Self-Help personnel completed improved the quality of life for numerous facilities, including beneficial enhancements to the base and its facilities used by military personnel and family members.

Capt. Douglass Biesel, NBK commanding officer praised the Sailors during the ceremony.

“You had some massive projects and it was impressive,” he said. “I looked at the package that was submitted, and compared it to some of the other packages and you did really well. Thank you very much and congratulations. Well Done!”

With budget constraints and the recent NBK installation merger on the Sailors’ minds,