Wednesday, April 11, 2012

USS Annapolis wins 2011 CNO Afloat Safety Award


From Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- A Commander, Naval Safety Center message announced April 4 that the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) is the recipient of the 2011 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Afloat Safety Award for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

Annapolis was one of 19 afloat units to receive this annual recognition from the CNO. The winning ship in each category receives a special plaque and official CNO citation. They are also authorized to display the green safety "S" flag on their ship until next year's results are announced.

In addition to an outstanding safety record, selected ships also have an aggressive safety program that actively contributes to safety mishap prevention, including comprehensive and professional internal safety reporting.

Cmdr. John Gearhart, Annapolis' commanding officer, praised his crew for their hard work and dedication required to receive this annual safety award.

"We are privileged to be selected as the 2011 CNO Safety Award for Submarine Force Atlantic, fleet attack submarines," said Gearhart. "This achievement is a testament to the committed effort toward high day-to-day standards and deck-plate leadership, combined with the consistent effort of the crew to maintain a safe work environment."

The award cycle, which runs from January 1 through December 31 every calendar year, recognizes outstanding contributions to fleet readiness, increased morale, efficiency and economical use of resources through safety.

Commissioned April 11, 1992, Annapolis is named in honor of the capital city of Maryland and is the fourth warship to bear the city's namesake. The first ship, named Annapolis, was a patrol gunboat (PG 10), commissioned in 1867. A patrol frigate (PF 15), commissioned in 1944, was the second ship named after the "America's Sailing Capital." Prior to SSN 760, the most recent ship to bear the same name was a major communications relay ship (AGMR 1).

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