YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) was awarded the Battle Effectiveness (“E”) Award during a visit from the Secretary of the Navy, Oct. 26.

The Battle “E” is presented to the command that demonstrates the best performance throughout the calendar year in the Command Excellence Award (CEAs) areas of Maritime Warfare, Engineering and Survivability, Command and Control, Safety, and Supply Management. Barry is one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron Fifteen (DESRON 15), the largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron in the U.S. Navy.

“It is my honor to be here today to present this award,” the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, said during an all hands call. “This crew performed above and beyond through adversity and truly exemplifies the excellence of our Navy.”

Achieving the Battle “E” requires outstanding performance during evaluation of a multitude of operational standards based on individual and community shipboard efforts.

“Earning the Battle “E” is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our crew,” said Cmdr. Christopher Gahl, commanding officer of Barry. “Through three patrols, National Ballistic Missile Defense missions, four Taiwan Strait Transits, two Freedom of Navigation operations, multiple bi-lateral operations with Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, theater anti-submarine warfare operations, Ronald Reagan Strike Group operations, and sailing a total of 60,831 nautical miles the crew just kept meeting each mission set with vigor and performed exceptionally.”

Ships are eligible for the Battle “E” Award if they are awarded at least four of the six CEAs and nominated by their immediate superior in command (ISIC). Barry earned the Maritime Warfare (Black ‘E’), Engineering/Survivability (Red ‘E’), Command and Control (Green ‘E’), and Safety (Yellow ‘E’) and was selected by commander DESRON 15, for the ship’s impressive operational performance in 2020.

Barry successfully participated in numerous exercises including: Resilient Shield, United Nations Security Council Resolution Enforcement operations in the East China Sea, Nobel Bastion (NB), Pacific Vanguard, Valiant Shield, Maritime Counter-Special Operations Forces (MCSOFEX), Keen Sword, support for various United States/Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/Republic of Korean Navy bilateral exercises, U.S. Navy missions including support to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. 

Secretary Del Toro stopped at Barry while visiting Sailors, Marines, their families, and key foreign officials while touring the Indo-Pacific region to better understand quality of life, vital mission sets unique to the area of operations, and critical alliances and partnerships that actively contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Barry is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15/Task Force 71, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.