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Kearsarge Wins Flatley Award

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080516-13
Release Date: 5/16/2008 4:25:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jilleanne Buda, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- In a Navy message released May 2, Kearsarge has been designated the winner of the Admiral Flatley Memorial Award for aviation safety.

The award, named after Adm. James H. Flatley Jr., is awarded each year to one carrier and amphibious ship, along with their embarked air wing and Marine expeditionary unit that demonstrate the safest flight operations.

"Your dedication, high standards and leadership are responsible for this recognition," said Capt. James Gregorski, Kearsarge commanding officer, in an address to the crew. "No other ship contributed more, with such an unprecedented optempo, to the national security of the U.S. than the mighty Kearsarge."

During the 2007-2008 deployment aboard Kearsarge, the Air Department accomplished more than 10,000 flight evolutions and 1,300 carrier controlled approaches, setting a new Naval Air Forces Atlantic record.

"I've never seen anything like this," said Lt. Jeremy Vellon, Kearsarge assistant air officer. "We performed the entire spectrum of missions that we trained for, and we were still incident free."

The Kearsarge Air Department makes safety in flight operations a habit for everyone involved, according to Vellon.

"Safety is emphasized to us every single day," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 2nd Class (AW/SW) Zlando Dahn. "By now, it's second nature to us."

Considering the record-breaking high volume of flight operations aboard Kearsarge, the Air Department's commitment to excellent safety standards is crucial.

"The biggest factor in this achievement is our strong emphasis on safety and constant attention to detail," said Capt. Jeffrey Maclay, Kearsarge air officer. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication in every department on this ship."

For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/.