Related Articles
-Editorial
Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro was announced as the winner of the 2025 Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Shore Battle “E” Award in the Small CONUS category. This is the first time NAF El Centro has received this prestigious award, which recognizes the installation’s vital role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s global mission.
“Operating around the clock, Navy installations serve as continuously deployed battle forces, ensuring the readiness of our nation’s combat forces. These installations are vital to the United States Navy’s ability to project power around the globe. The Shore Battle “E” Award recognizes Navy Installations as vital battle forces that are essential for generating and supporting combat capabilities worldwide. These installations play a critical role in shaping the United States Navy, and this award honors their ongoing contributions,” said VADM C. Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command, in a message to all shore commands.
“The team at NAF El Centro exemplifies the mission of our installations as vital battle forces crucial for force generation and supporting our combat capabilities” said RDML Rich Jarrett, Commander Navy Region Southwest, in an email to the commanding officers in his region. “Their dedication and professionalism are the cornerstone for CNRSW and CNIC’s mission accomplishment. CAPT Carstens’ team defines the winning spirit of our Navy Region Southwest family,” Jarrett added.
CAPT Carstens, Commanding Officer of NAF El Centro, expressed his pride in the installation’s team, stating, “This award is a direct result of our team’s relentless commitment to the mission. We are the launchpad for naval aviation’s combat readiness, and winning the Battle ‘E’ validates the critical role our installation and our people play in the defense of our nation. It is an honor to accept this on their behalf.”
Naval Air Facility El Centro’s mission is to support the combat training and readiness of the Warfighter. The vision is to be the Navy’s premier tactical training installation, providing world-class operations, world-class facilities, and the highest quality of life for our personnel and their families.