Military

USS City of Corpus Christi Wins Awards for Excellence

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070519-01
Release Date: 5/19/2007 10:33:00 AM

By Jesse Leon Guerrero, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The Navy rewarded the hard work and dedication of the crew of the USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) during a ceremony at Alpha Pier on May 8.

Capt. Phillip Sawyer, commodore of Submarine Squadron (SS) 15, presented the group with awards for tactical excellence, navigation excellence, communication excellence, and damage control excellence.

“It’s always great to receive any awards,” said Lt. j.g. Jared Smith, a public relations officer aboard the boat. “It’s a pat on the back for the guys doing the work.”

The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine won the citations for their sustained performance at sea in 2006.

“This is a culmination of the crew’s efforts, so it’s both up and down the chain command,” said Command Master Chief (SS) Vince Vinson, of SS 15. “This is from E-1 all the way to the captain.”

Vinson explained the awards are the result of an annual evaluation that reviews the procedures and performance of the boat’s crew in almost a dozen categories. Having served on seven different submarines in 24 years, Vinson described the wins as being a positive accomplishment.

“It recognizes the top submarines in those areas in the squadron, basically the best of the best,” Vinson said.

First launched in April 1981, Corpus Christi helps provide a forward-deployed presence for the Department of Defense in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. It is one of two submarines currently homeported at Apra Harbor. The USS Buffalo (SSN 715) is expected to join the Corpus Christi and USS Houston (SSN 713) later this year.