Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, earns 2025 Shore Battle Efficiency Award
Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, on Kaua‘i was recently recognized by U.S. Navy installation commanders as a vital battle force, specifically because of its excellence in generating and supporting combat capabilities.
Commander, Navy Installations Command awarded the installation the 2025 Small Base Outside the Continental United States Shore Battle Efficiency, or Shore Battle “E,” Award.
This was the inaugural year for the award, which also was given to four other Navy installations throughout the nation — one winner each in the categories of Fleet Concentration/Extra Large, Large, Medium and Small Base in the Continental United States.
“Our core mission at [Pacific Missile Range Facility] is to enhance warfighter readiness through fleet training and support of test and evaluation events,” said Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Prince in a story submitted to Kaua‘i Now and written by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Louis Lea. “Excellent leadership at all levels and steadfast support from our civilian staff is critical to this mission.”
Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, earned the honor for excellence as the leading multi-domain integrated test and training range, providing vital support in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The installation enhanced fleet readiness, improved quality of life offerings and ensured mission continuity through a landmark energy resilience partnership, while its security programs achieved a 96% compliance rating from Commander, Navy Installations Command assessors.
Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, delivered uninterrupted test and training support while pursuing modernization projects that increased resiliency and reduced operational risk.
Quality of life programs significantly improved morale and family readiness, with two new Child and Youth Programs playgrounds and a 24/7 fitness center expanding recreational access for sailors and their families.
The Morale Welfare and Recreation team also led more than 100 events, ranging from exploration of the local community to life skills programming, strengthening community ties and enhancing quality of life for service members and civilian employees.
“Receiving the Battle “E” is a reflection of the hard work and dedication to duty that every member of our team displays day in and day out,” Prince said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to continued future success.”
Sailors permanently assigned to a unit that receives the Shore Battle “E” Award are authorized to wear the Battle Efficiency Ribbon, following a long tradition of the award, originally introduced in 1976 for sea-based units.
“The outstanding performance of this year’s winners is a direct reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our Sailors and civilians,” said Commander, Navy Installations Command Vice Admiral Scott Gray in an announcement of this year’s Shore Battle “E” and 2026 Installation Excellence award winners.
Gray added that these installations are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s shore enterprise; their relentless work ensures installations are true force multipliers, enabling fleet readiness and power projection around the globe.
“I am incredibly proud to recognize their achievements and their unwavering commitment to the fleet, the fighter and the family,” he said.
Visit the Commander, Navy Installations Command website or follow the command division on Facebook, X and Instagram for additional information.
MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from the Easyriders of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 fly over Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, during the Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program. This advanced tactical training program prepares crews for deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bodie Estep)- Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Marc Fabien and Master-at-arms First Class Lacy Henagin stand watch during the Fourth of July celebration America’s Most West Freedom Fest at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Louis Lea)
- Sailors assigned to Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Seaborne Powered Target unit, use a high-speed maneuvering surface target to transit waters off the coast of Kaua‘i. The U.S. Navy installation is the world’s largest instrumented multi-environmental range capable of supporting surface, air and space operations simultaneously. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bodie Estep)
- Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Fire and Emergency Services, American Medical Response and Hawai‘i Life Flight personnel work together to conduct an air medical transport flight April 10, 2025, on Kaua‘i. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Louis Lea)
News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.
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