USS Cushing Earns "Bloodhound" Award
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS040409-08
Release Date: 4/9/2004 5:48:00 PM
By Journalist Seaman Max Olson, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Cushing (DD 985) out-performed ships in its class to earn the "Bloodhound" Award for excellence in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in March.
The criteria for winning this award spans the entire warfare area--from the technical proficiency of Cushing watchstanders to the engineers providing energy for the ship.
"The 'Bloodhound Award' recognizes this ship's commitment to ASW excellence," said Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) David Seidl. "From the captain on down to the engineers who provide power to the ship, it's a combined effort to do our job to the best of our ability."
The portion of the crew directly related to detecting submarines expressed gratitude and admiration for those who have gone before them in the ASW field.
"They really have a strong dedication to ASW and to do the ship's mission," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SW) Nicholas Schroeder. "Spruance-class destroyers are primarily ASW ships, and it just means the whole crew is determined on accomplishing it's mission."
"It just really emphasizes our chain of command. They've dedicated their whole lives to ASW. They were able to train our younger guys, and bring their passion for ASW to everyone," added Schroeder.
Cushing successfully managed to maintain ASW excellence while constantly training and exercising its mission capabilities.
Cushing won the award two other times in its history, but this is the first in 11 years. For many of its Sailors, winning this award helps them put in perspective all the training and hard work they do.
"It increases our morale, knowing that all of our hard work paid off," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Damone Fulgham. "It's great to be recognized for it."
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