PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) – For the first time in 43 years, Port Hueneme Navy Exchange (NEX) onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), won the 2021 Bingham Award, by the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), the highest honor a store can receive.

“At NEXCOM our purpose is to sustain and supply Naval forces with quality-of-life benefits,” said Rear Adm. Robert Bianchi (ret.), Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “The Port Hueneme NEX epitomize who we are as an organization and what we stand for each and every day.”

The award recognizes outstanding performance in operations, excellence in customer service, financial performance, and community support. Established in 1979, the Bingham award is named after the late Capt. W.H. Bingham, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy Reserve who was the chief executive officer of the R.H. Macy’s company and was appointed by the Secretary of the Navy in 1946 to lead an advisory board for establishment of what is now the NEXCOM.

“It’s about delivering comfort and sense of home for these military families and there’s no group better deserving of the Bingham Award then NEX Port Hueneme,” said Bianchi.

During the ceremony, Bianchi presented the Bingham Award to Capt. Jason Kranz, chief staff officer, NBVC, and Mrs. Nancy DeVore, general manager, Port Hueneme NEX.

“The NEX is an essential part of the base for our families, Seabees, Sailors and this award highlights your commitment to them,” said Kranz. “At NBVC excellence is not optional, it’s an expectation and we are so proud that the Port Hueneme NEX is living up to this standard.”

“Our stores are viewed as mission essential to the U.S. Navy and cannot do what they do without the support of the base Commanding Officer,” said Bianchi. “It is a great partnership, and our military, Veterans, retirees and families are the beneficiaries.”

A total of nine sales category award winners were announced throughout the NEXCOM enterprise (200 stores). Port Hueneme took first place in Category 3 ($19-28 million) while eight other NEX stores worldwide won in the remaining categories, and nine runners-up were mentioned.

“It’s a great day to be a Navy Exchange associate,” said Devore. “It took extra effort to be the best; customer engagement, asking for feedback, being responsive, and always thanking them.”

NEXCOM is headquarters for the worldwide NEXCOM enterprise. Its mission is to provide authorized customers quality goods and services at savings and to support Navy quality of life programs for active-duty military, retirees, reservists, and their families.

NBVC is home to Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, San Nicolas Island, the Pacific Coast Seabees, the West coast Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers, and 80 tenants. It is the largest employer in Ventura County and actively protects California’s largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental programs.

***

This piece is written by Ensign Drew Verbis from the Naval Base Ventura County. Want to feature your story? Reach out to us at editor@sofrep.com.