Norfolk-based Submarines Selected for 2005 Battle "E" Awards
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060117-10
Release Date: 1/17/2006 4:00:00 PM
By Journalist 1st Class Christina Shaw, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Submarine Squadron 6’s USS Scranton (SSN 756) and Submarine Squadron 8’s USS Newport News (SSN 750) were presented the 2005 Battle “E” Efficiency Awards Jan. 1 for Norfolk-based submarines.
The Battle “E” award recognizes sustained superior performance in all four areas of combat readiness: maritime warfare; engineering/survivability; command and control; and logistics management.
“The competition for these honors was, as always, extremely keen,” said Vice Adm. Chuck Munns, commander, Naval Submarine Forces. “These awards should be a source of great pride to each and every crew member.”
Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (Submarines) Kevin Bond, Chief of the Boat for Newport News from 2002-2005, attributes the submarine’s success to the crew’s high standards.
“The biggest contributing factor to the USS Newport News winning the Battle ‘E’ is the character of the Sailors on board to adopt a consistent, correct way of getting the basics right and high standards in day to day operations,” said Bond.
“First, it's important to understand that when I say ‘basics,’ that word has a lot of different interpretations,” he continued, “but when you say ‘basics’ on board USS Newport News, a Sailor will tell you that it's about communications, procedural compliance, cleanliness, stowage, execution of orders, follow up, watch standing, having a questioning attitude, providing backup and ownership.”
“When the crew gets the basics right it makes it easier to focus the appropriate amount of time looking at the difficult missions and when taking on the difficult missions getting the basics right contributes to success, “ Bond concluded.
Newport News was also awarded the Communications Green “C” and the Damage Control Red “DC” for 2005.
In addition to the winning the Battle “E” for Submarine Squadron 8, Scranton earned the Tactical Operations White “T”, Supply Blue “E” and the Navigation Red and Green “N.”
"Scranton's superior performance throughout 2005 was driven by the crew's focus on continuous improvement and day-to-day operational excellence,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Newton, Scranton’s executive officer. “The entire team demonstrated characteristic Submarine Force dedication as we worked through numerous material and operational challenges while executing two demanding missions vital to national security during our recent deployment to Central Command (CENTCOM) in direct support of the global war on terror.”
“Each crew member provided critical contributions to the overall effort and I'm very proud of each of them,” said Newton.
Other boats to be recognized for their outstanding performances include: USS Albany (SSN 753) earned the Communications Green “C”, Medical Yellow “M” and the Engineering Red “E”; USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) earned the Engineering Red “E”, Navigation Red and Green “N” and the Medical Yellow “M”; USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) earned the Tactical Operations White “T”; USS Montpelier (SSN 765) earned the Damage Control Red “DC”; and USS Norfolk (SSN 714) and USS Boise (SSN 764) both earned the Deck Seaman White “D.”
In addition to the Battle “E” competition, personnel from Submarine Squadron 6 were recognized for consistent superior performance across the Submarine Force for Engineering Readiness. They include: Former Commodore Capt. Bruce Grooms; Commodore Jamie Foggo; former Deputy for Readiness, Cmdr. John Kropcho; and Squadron Materiel/Engineering Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Huey.
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