Nebraska, Michigan Awarded Battle "E"

By Lt. Ed Early, Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Two Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor submarines, Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) and guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727), were recognized Jan. 1 by Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as recipients of the 2010 Battle Efficiency Award (Battle "E").

Nebraska's Blue and Gold crews received the Battle "E" for Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 17, while Michigan's Blue Crew was awarded the Battle "E" for Submarine Squadron 19.

"Both Nebraska crews exemplified the spirit of teamwork with enthusiasm," said Capt. Paul Skarpness, commander of SUBRON 17. "Throughout 2010, Nebraska excelled in mission accomplishment, kept the ship in great fighting condition, and provided outstanding support to their families and the community. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments."

For Nebraska, the Battle "E" award announcement came on the same day that the boat's Gold Crew returned to Bangor after an 88-day strategic deterrent patrol.

"When we learned that we had won the award, the COB [Chief of the Boat] and I walked the ship to congratulate each Sailor on their efforts, and I was very pleased to see the pride that showed in all of them," said Cmdr. Mike Fisher, commanding officer of Nebraska's Gold Crew. "To receive the news while underway helped the crew return to port with an extraordinary sense of accomplishment."

Michigan's Blue Crew, commanded by Capt. Jerry Logan, is currently deployed to the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibility after conducting a crew swap in Guam last November. Michigan made a routine port visit to Busan, Republic of Korea, in December.

"Michigan Blue's exceptional mission accomplishment and unmatched readiness for all peacetime and wartime mission areas made her the top crew in the squadron and provided relevant presence and capability in the western Pacific," said Capt. Dennis Carpenter, commander of SUBRON 19. "They demonstrated tremendous teamwork and esprit de corps while accomplishing two missions vital to national security."

The Battle "E" is an award of merit presented to the most proficient submarine crew in each squadron and recognizes sustained superior technical performance and continual combat readiness throughout the year. The awards are presented by the commodore of each squadron to the submarine under their command which has demonstrated the highest level of battle readiness during the evaluation year.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 9, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.