The BEQ staff stands outside of Reina Mercedes Hall, one of the buildings the staff maintains. Photo courtesy of E. J. Farmer.

They were one of only six installations Navy-wide to win this award for four consecutive years. For the Navy housing community this is considered to be one of the most important awards that can be bestowed.

‘‘Receiving this award for the fourth time just really shows how much our staff cares,” said E. J. Farmer, NSA Annapolis Bachelor Housing (BH) manager. ‘‘It is great that our residents recognize the efforts we put into making their housing more than just acceptable. We sincerely want to make their living quarters comfortable and their stay with us enjoyable.”

With 60 enlisted residents calling the barracks home, the staff is always working on improving the quality of life. The bachelor housing crew is always available to make repairs, replace broken furniture and check on the overall quality of the room.

In the past year, the Reina Mercedes Hall quarterdeck area was renovated, and the lounges were furnished with big screen HDTVs. Cooking stoves, ovens and more energy efficient and hygienic ice-makers were installed and every room was supplied with an ice bucket and auto shut off irons.

‘‘We are family here,” Farmer said. ‘‘We want to make the Sailors enjoy coming home after a hard day at work.”

Upon arrival at NSA Annapolis, every new resident receives a ‘‘Welcome Aboard” package that includes a beginner’s guide to the Naval Academy and a copy of the NSA Annapolis BH instructions. The resident will also note the special touch of a ‘‘Go Navy” chocolate on the pillow.

Farmer said that on their birthdays, every resident receives a birthday card, along with a special meal upgrade from the galley.

‘‘We also give cards that congratulate them on their advancements on any special commendations, get well cards if we know they are ill or any other special occasion cards as appropriate,” said Farmer.

For the future, the staff wishes to continue their quality service, continuing to serve the residents for the years to come. Farmer said that the housing staff prides themselves on making the barracks more than a place to live; they want to make a place they can be glad to call their home.