Navy bases earn prestigious Ney awards for food service excellence

WASHINGTON — Three U.S. Navy installations were named winners of the Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award for fiscal year 2026, the service’s top honor for food service excellence.

The honorees are:
– Naval Station Newport (East Coast general mess category)
– Naval Air Station North Island (West Coast general mess category)
– Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (outside the contiguous United States general mess category)

Created in 1958, the Ney Award recognizes the Navy’s best-performing galleys ashore and afloat, spotlighting culinary programs that bolster morale and readiness across the fleet.

“The hard work and culinary excellence of our food service professionals are vital to the morale and readiness of the entire Navy,” said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). “A well-served, nutritious meal is more than just food. It’s a critical component of our warfighting readiness, providing a sense of home for our Sailors and enabling them to be at their best. These awards honor the galleys that represent the pinnacle of service and dedication. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments.”

CNIC’s Force Master Chief Andre Brown underscored the day-to-day influence of galley teams on the fleet’s well-being. “Our culinary specialists are often the first and last faces a Sailor sees during their day. The pride and professionalism they pour into their work have a direct and profound impact on the morale of the entire crew,” said Brown. “Winning a Ney Award is a testament to that dedication and a clear indicator of a high-performing, motivated team that takes care of our most valuable asset — our Sailors.”

Navy leaders framed food service as a core element of wellness and support, contributing directly to the resilience of sailors and their families and, by extension, to operational readiness.

CNIC manages Navy shore installations worldwide, overseeing 10 regions and 70 installations with a workforce of more than 48,600. The command develops integrated solutions for sustaining and modernizing shore infrastructure and runs quality-of-life programs that support the fleet, the fighter, and families.