USS Gettysburg Wins 2013 Battle 'E'

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lorenzo J. Burleson, USS Gettysburg Public Affairs

GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) was awarded the 2013 calendar year Battle Effectiveness Award by Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, March 21.

The Battle 'E' is awarded annually to the ships that display the maximum condition of readiness in its group and for its capability to perform its wartime responsibilities.

"Winning the Battle 'E' was possible due to the exemplary performance the crew displayed throughout the year and through deployment," said Capt. Brad Cooper, commanding officer, USS Gettysburg. "It's an honor to be recognized for this award and a privilege to work alongside such an amazing crew."

To compete for the Battle 'E', ships are evaluated on major qualifications; inspections and assessments include engineering operations certifications, force maintenance and material management assessments, mobility certifications and supply management certifications.

Gettysburg's was one of five surface ships in the Atlantic Fleet to win all five categories of Battle 'E'. The categories include: the Maritime Warfare Excellence Award (Black E), Engineering/Survivability Excellence Award (Red E), Command and Control Excellence Award (Green E), Logistics Management Excellence Award (Blue E) and the CNSF Ship Safety Award (Yellow E).

"Each department has an important role aboard the ship and it takes a combined effort from each to achieve this award," said Gettysburg's Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Daniel Hacker. "When the crew has a centralized focus and works together towards a goal, they prove what we can achieve as a unit."

Naval vessels recognized for winning this award are authorized to paint a white 'E' on the ship to acknowledge the achievement. Personnel assigned to a ship during the time the ship was recognized for the award are authorized to wear the Battle 'E' ribbon.

Quartermaster 3rd Class (SW) Marlesha Parker said she is proud to be a part of the crew during this prestigious recognition.

"Winning the Battle 'E' is significant because it shows that my ship is devoted to excellence," said Parker. "It's great that we have something to show the dedication of our crew and the hard work they have exhibited throughout the year."

Gettysburg is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.