Enterprise, CVW-1, CCSG-12 Earn Retention Excellence Award

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW 1) and Carrier Strike Group 12 (CCSG 12) earned the fiscal year 2010 Retention Excellence Award, Feb. 18.

Enterprise, along with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), were the four aircraft carriers under Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic to receive the award.

Award-winning commands must pass the annual Career Information Program Review with a score of 85 points or higher, meet or exceed reenlistment rates of 55 percent for Zone A Sailors (Sailors with zero-to-six years in service); 60 percent for Zone B (six-to-10 years in service); 71 percent for Zone C (10-to-14 years in service), and achieve a Zone A attrition rate of 5.5 percent or lower for fiscal year 2010.

"Your successes represent your command's commitment to the growth and development of your Sailors and will serve as the foundation of fleet readiness; congratulations and well done," said Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Enterprise will once again be authorized to fly the Retention Excellence Award pennant and will be authorized to paint the carrier's anchors gold.

"Developing Sailors' careers and improving retention rates are extremely important to the Navy, and we couldn't be more proud to receive an award that illustrates Enterprise's commitment and success in this program," said USS Enterprise Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Keith G. Oxley. "This award is for all of our mentors and career counselors who dedicate their time and efforts toward educating our Sailors, and advising them to make smart career choices."

Chief Navy Career Counselor (SW/AW) Ramous Fleming, USS Enterprise command career counselor, said the carrier's third-straight Retention Excellence Award was due to a combined team effort from Enterprise leadership.

"The name 'Enterprise' is associated with a proud legacy that Sailors want to be a part of," said Fleming. "Sailors who reenlist here do it not only because they enjoy the Navy, but because they are proud to be a part of this ship's history. We have won this award three years in a row now, and we are on track to do it again."

In addition to the air wing itself, three CVW-1 squadrons, the "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and the "Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, each individually received the Retention Excellence Award as well.

"Winning the Retention Excellence Award means we're doing something right," said CVW-1 Command Master Chief (AW/SW) John T. Lery. "Leaders and career counselors are proactively ensuring the personal and professional growth of our Sailors, and this award is the proof."

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on a routine deployment to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn65 or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.