All MIDPAC Ships Receive Green "H" Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Surface Group Middle Pacific (CNSG MIDPAC) announced that all 11 of its Hawaii-based Navy surface ships received the 2010 Force Health and Wellness Award, or the Green "H", May 6.

"The Green H Award is a milestone we all can take pride in as it encompasses everything from Safety/Operational Risk Management to Tobacco Cessation, all of which affect the lives of our most precious resource - our people," said Vice Adm. D. C. Curtis, the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC). "Without the professional oversight of SURFPAC's very own medical department, the awareness and execution of these programs would not have achieved this impressive milestone."

The purpose of this unit award is to recognize the Sailors aboard ships who demonstrate their dedication to helping Sailors make constructive changes in their life by conducting activities like cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, smoking cessation courses, regular health fairs, fitness sessions and education on healthy living.

"It has never happened before," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Timothy George, the independent duty corpsman program manager for CNSG MIDPAC. "This is the first time that we have attained a hundred percent of our ships getting Green H. It also tells that more focus is being placed on health and wellness programs on board these ships. It means these ships have realized that a healthier ship is a better ship to go out a fight with."

The ships under CNSG MIDPAC include USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Chosin (DDG 65), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Crommelin (FFG 37), USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Lake Erie (CG 70), USS Okane (DDG 77), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Reuben James (FFG 57) and USS Russell (DDG 59).

"My personal congratulations to all commands that made submission and special recognition is extended to this year's winners," Curtis said in an official message. "You have again demonstrated unfailing commitment to the health and wellness of our Sailors, our Navy's most valuable asset. Their welfare is absolutely essential to our readiness and to the success of our mission. Continue to provide tools and awareness to out Sailors so they may be successful."

The qualifying period for this award was from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010. Ships that receive the COMNAVSURFOR Force Health and Wellness award can paint a Green "H" on the ship's bridge wing. Hash marks are painted below the "H" to indicate sequential awards. Commands awarded the Green "H" five consecutive times are authorized to paint a green star above the Green "H".

"It took a constant push to remind Sailors how important fitness, safety and mission readiness," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW) William Triplett, the independent Corpsman assigned to Port Royal. "It was only accomplished through a collaborative effort from the drug and alcohol prevention advisor, command fitness leaders, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, safety officer and the food service officer. Without their help and drive, we would not have been able to pull this off."

Port Royal and Hopper received their 12th consecutive Green H award.

"For most, I think it shows that our decrease in alcohol related incidents, physical fitness assessment failures and reduction in overall mishaps has not gone unnoticed," said Triplett. "This ship has come a long way in a short time and her crew is finally reaping the rewards for getting her back in the game."