USS San Antonio Earns "Battle E"

From Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The officers and crew of USS San Antonio (LPD 17) were today presented with the Battle "Battle E" award by the commander of Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 4.

"Everyone who believes that San Antonio is still broken and on the sidelines will now realize that we are not," said San Antonio Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Neil Koprowski. "We won the Battle E. We are back and ready to take on all missions."

San Antonio was recognized for superior performance over the past year, and for several significant achievements, displaying excellence in maritime warfare capabilities, engineering/survivability, command and control, and the type commander's Safety Award.

The Battle E award is based on a yearlong overall evaluation of San Antonio accomplishments during training exercises, various command inspections and nomination by their immediate superior in command COMPHIBRON 4.

"It's all of you that are making this ship succeed," said Capt. Peter Pagano, commander, COMPHIBRON 4, during a morning all-hands call aboard San Antonio. "It's the officers, chiefs and Sailors on this ship, down to the most junior seaman that will continue to do so through INSURV (Board of Inspection and Survey assessment scheduled to begin April 23). You all should be very proud to be San Antonio Sailors."

Eligibility for the award required a consistent day-to-day demonstration of excellence and superior achievement during all certifications and qualifications conducted following departure from the shipyard last year.

San Antonio may now display the big white letter "E" with the black shadow on its super structure along several other awards as a testament to the focus, teamwork, pride and ownership demonstrated throughout a rigorous maintenance and basic phase.

Competition, Dedication Drives Battle "E" Brothers

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW)Joshua Horton, USS George W. Bush

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The San Diego-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Norfolk, Va.-based USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) were selected for the Navy's Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") honor Feb. 10.

The Battle "E" is awarded annually to the small number of U.S. Navy ships that win their battle effectiveness competition. The Battle "E" is designed to measure and recognize a command's sustained superior performance and battle efficiency in an operational environment through the calendar year.

And on the two ships - separated by the length of the United States - serve two lifelong friends, each a winner in the competition.

Carl Vinson's Culinary Specialist (CS) Seaman Phillip Collins, assigned to Supply Department's S-2 division, grew up with Bush's Aviation Ordnanceman (AO) Airman Ryan Cowan, assigned to Weapons Department's G-1 division, in their hometown of Los Angeles. Though not related by blood, the "godbrothers'" relationship runs deep throughout the years spent together.

"We grew up together, went to all four years of high school together, and our parents are really good friends," Collins said. "I've known him all my life."

Throughout their lives, the spirit of competition has and will always be a key element in their relationship.

"We're always competing with each other," said Cowan. "Whether it's sports, video games, or professional accomplishments, we're constantly trying to out-do the other."

In high school, the brothers' thoughts turned to the future. Both were determined to join the Navy together as hospital corpsmen (HM). Collins elected to go to college first, while Cowan chose to join the Navy immediately.

"At the time he joined, he wanted to leave immediately. But HM wasn't open, and AO was, so he took that," Collins said. "When I finally decided to go about a year later, CS was open, and I didn't want to wait to be an AO or HM."

Their families' reaction to the brothers' decision was initially of concern.

"They wanted both of us to go to college. They were kind of scared, they didn't want us to get hurt or anything like that," Collins said. "But now they're very proud of us."

Collins reported to Carl Vinson September 2010, and contributed to the effort in Supply Department's earning the highest recorded score of 99.3 for the ship's Supply Management Inspection three months later. The inspection was worth 40 of 100 points for the "Blue 'E'" Battle "E" departmental award.

Although the distance separating them is great, both Collins and Cowan make it a priority to communicate with one another on a regular basis.

"We send emails regularly to stay in touch, but anytime I have an opportunity to travel back to California, we get together," said Cowan.

It's through those e-mails and occasional vacation time, that they keep their competitive streak alive, incorporating the achievement of professional goals.

"We battle about warfare pins. I'm working on my surface pin, and he's working on his air pin. I'm winning right now, because I'm about to take my murder board," Collins said.

For Collins, the Battle "E" represents a personal and professional point of pride and a well-deserved acknowledgement for Vinson's back-to-back combat deployments.

"It's a great accomplishment. I'm proud of my chain of command, my ship. It's pretty cool. We worked really hard these two deployments. We haven't been home a lot, and we're being recognized for those sacrifices," he said.

Cowan said that for him, the Battle "E" is a culmination of the hard work and sacrifice that he and so many others put in during deployment.

"This award reflects the dedication to success that we have on board the ship," said Cowan. "Our Weapons Department worked really hard for this, and I'm happy to be a part of something special."

USS Carl Vinson Awarded 2011 Battle "E"

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Air Forces awarded the 2011 Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") for West Coast-based aircraft carriers to Sailors of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Feb. 10.

Vinson Commanding Officer Capt. Kent D. Whalen congratulated the Vinson Sailors who made the award possible.

"It is terrific to see this ship and crew receive this kind of recognition. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication and very appropriate for the announcement to come while forward deployed conducting combat operations," he said. "The spirit and enthusiasm on Carl Vinson amazes me every day. I couldn't be prouder of what these Sailors have accomplished."

The annual award was the culmination of 2011's 365 operational days, of which Vinson Sailors spent 235 at sea. This is Vinson's sixth Battle "E" overall, having previously earned the distinction in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2004. This marks the first Battle "E" since returning from a refueling complex overhaul in 2009.

"I am very proud of our crew and honored to be a part of the team. I see their dedication and professionalism every day, and I am thankful they are being recognized for their accomplishments in 2011," said Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul Spedero. "I know our Sailors will wear the Battle "E" with pride and continue to serve our Navy with honor, courage and commitment."

The Battle "E" is designed to measure and recognize a command's sustained superior performance and battle efficiency in an operational environment through the calendar year.

Command Master Chief April Beldo noted the importance of teamwork in the achievement.

"This is something I'll remember the rest of my career and long after. Look back at what this crew has accomplished, and there can be no doubt as to whether they deserved the "E"," she said. "Their spirit has been overwhelming and their will to succeed is the reason we're celebrating this. Individually, these Sailors are outstanding. Collectively, they are unbeatable."

Vinson earned 14 departmental efficiency awards for 2011 as part of the assessment - the Air Department Yellow "E," Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Black "E," Combat Systems Green "CS," Damage Control Red "DC," Deck White Crossed Anchors with Black "D," Engineering Red "E," Medical Blue "M," Navigation White Ship's Wheel, Operations Green "E", Safety Green "S", Security Black "S", Supply Blue "E", Weapons Black "W", and Carrier Maintenance Purple "E".

"Our Sailors answered every bell with enthusiasm, technical expertise, an eye on safety and great pride in service. You don't win a Battle "E" on appearances. You have to excel in every area," said Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG 1). "Carl Vinson Sailors clearly demonstrated sustained superior performance, operational effectiveness and continuous readiness above all others. I couldn't be more proud."

Lt. Cmdr. Amy Hunt, Vinson's training officer, noted despite the different criteria for earning a departmental award, one common factor ran through the individual successes.

"We earned it because the Sailors worked really hard all year long," she said. "There were a lot of competitive exercises the departments had to perform. Whenever we had a graded general quarters drill, those went into the overall ship's grade."

Vinson Sailors were charged with completing 110 graded exercises throughout the year. These evolutions were spread out over nine departments.

"We trained very well and very hard, and our grades for those exercises were very good. We had two back-to-back combat deployments, and we demonstrated we were the go-to ship," Hunt said, citing Vinson's service in the 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic NCAA basketball game. "Any time we were tasked with something, we did it. And we have a very good reputation as a ship because of our hardworking Sailors."

Carl Vinson, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), and guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) comprise CSG 1. CSG 1 is conducting maritime theater security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Naval Air Forces Presents Abraham Lincoln with Battle 'E' Award

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary S. Welch, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The commander of Naval Air Forces (CNAF) visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the ship's port call in San Diego, Dec. 11.

CNAF Commander Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers met with Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 and Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln's commanding officer, to present them with the 2010 CNAF Battle Efficiency Award (Battle "E") and addressed the ship's crew.

During his address, he commended Lincoln Sailors for their high state of readiness heading into the ship's second deployment in the last year, and said the job they are doing is essential to the Navy's overall mission.

"I commend the Sailors aboard this ship for their hard work and dedication," said Myers. "Facing yet another deployment really shows the tremendous character of each and every Sailor aboard."

Myers also told the crew they possess a tremendous responsibility to represent their nation to the people of the world.

"Being overseas, you act as a global deterrent to foreign nations. You're constantly protecting our sea lanes. I wish you luck on your deployment, and I have every confidence you will continue to set the bar for success," he said.

Carrier Strike Group 9, comprised of Abraham Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing 2 and Destroyer Squadron 9, departed Everett, Wash., Dec. 7, on deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Abraham Lincoln is changing homeports from Everett, Wash. to Norfolk, Va. following deployment for a periodic refueling complex overhaul.

USS Boise Presented Battle "E" Award

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) was officially presented the 2010 Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award during a ceremony aboard Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Va., Feb. 11.

Capt. Frank Cattani, commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 8; formally presented the award to Cmdr. Brian Sittlow, USS Boise commanding officer; Lt. Cmdr. John Croghan, USS Boise executive officer; and MMCS(SS) Stephen Capps, USS Boise chief of the boat; and the Boise crew, during the ceremony on Pier three.

"It is my distinct pleasure and honor to present the Battle 'E' award today," said Cattani. "Boise had an outstanding year. You demonstrated the highest state of readiness by displaying unmatched resiliency, leadership, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

"Boise is a great ship, but the award is really about you – the crew. Your personal excellence is the foundation of your operational excellence. Your sustained superior performance in a challenging operational environment while on deployment was second to none. Boise is truly, 'A One Ship Fleet,'" said Cattani.

The Battle "E" competition is conducted to strengthen individual command performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize outstanding performance. The criterion for the award is the overall readiness of the command to carry out its assigned wartime tasks as a unit of the Atlantic Submarine Force, and is based on a year-long evaluation.

One submarine from each submarine squadron in the Atlantic Fleet is recognized. 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.

"Boise is very proud to receive the 2010 COMSUBRON Eight Battle "E," said Sittlow. "This award means a lot to the crew. It signifies submarine force and fleet-wide recognition for all the hard work that went into making 2010 a very successful year for the ship, particularly our recently completed deployment.

"Although there is never a shortage of teamwork and a sense of 'ship, shipmate, self' in the submarine force, an award like this adds even more pride and a sense of importance to our day-to-day work. It also re-establishes high standards for continued hard work, and hopefully more success in 2011."

The USS Boise executive officer amplified his commanding officer's reaction on receiving the award.

"To be recognized by the submarine force leadership for the hard work of every member of the crew is definitely a highlight in my career," said Croghan. "This is my fourth ship and my first Battle 'E'. "A ship can't win this award without a fundamental understanding of the importance of the camaraderie and teamwork that it takes to execute the daily mission of a submarine.

"Less than a year before our deployment, Boise was in the shipyard with half-a-dozen hull cuts. The feeling of accomplishment after completing all of the inspections, certifications, and training required to successfully deploy on time in such a short period after the shipyard is tremendous.

"I have been fortunate to be a part of the some very talented crews, but the teamwork we have on Boise is definitely a key ingredient in making optimum use of the talents of every man on board. Every man contributed to our successes in 2010, and every man understands that he is accountable to the man next to him on the team to make the ship a success," said Croghan.

In addition to the Battle "E" award, Boise was also presented the Medical "M," the Supply "E," the Communications "C," the Navigation "N," and the Engineering "E".

"This kind of significant recognition of a job well done can be a rally point in establishing esprit-de-corps and unit cohesion," said Capps. "When Sailors feel like they are part of something special, they want to be involved, and when everyone is involved, morale and the things that coincide with it improve. These awards are confirmation that the men of Boise did an outstanding job at the highest of all standards. We all like to think we do a great job, but this confirms it."

All submarine force command Battle "E" winners were announced via Navy message by Vice Adm. John M. Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces announced the winners Jan. 1.

"The competition for these honors was, as always, extremely keen," stated Richardson in the message. "These awards should be a source of great pride to each and every crew member. Bravo Zulu."

For more information on the Submarine Force visit the Submarine Force Atlantic web site at www.sublant.navy.mil.