Peleliu Earns Battle "E"

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100225-02
Release Date: 2/25/2010 12:56:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ian Campbell, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Peleliu (LHA 5) won the Battle Efficiency award for 2009, her second Battle "E" in three years.

This achievement is notable because the ship spent seven months of 2009 in the ship yard.

The Battle "E" is awarded annually to ships with exceptional combat readiness in their classification of ship, and tests each department's mission readiness capabilities and responsibilities.

Peleliu was tested in several categories: maritime warfare excellence, engineering survivability excellence, command and control, logistics management, and type commander safety, said Capt. David A. Schnell, Peleliu's commanding officer.

"Peleliu swept all five awards, which is really unprecedented for a 30-year-old ship." Schnell said. "It truly means a lot to me having been here for so long, and seeing how hard this crew works, to finally see them recognized for this by being able to wear the Battle "E" ribbon for 2009."

The past year was busy for Peleliu. It began with the completion of a successful 2008 deployment in November 2008, followed by a Maintenance and Material Management (3M) Certification in January, a seven-month Docked Planned Maintenance Availability (DPMA) period, and all the other qualifications that led up to the upcoming 2010 deployment.

Schnell thanked everyone for their hard work, dedication and accomplishing every task asked of them during the hectic year.

"I am very proud of the crew who worked so hard this past year," he said. "Winning the Battle "E" takes more than just completing your mission successfully. It takes a qualified and enthusiastic crew who cares about the ship as well as combat readiness. I'm really looking forward to painting that big "E" on the side of the ship after losing it in 2008."

"It feels amazing to be part of a crew that has earned this award because not every Sailor gets a chance to wear the Battle "E" award during their career," said Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class (AW) Xavier Wynter. "It really shows the crew's dedication."

"I think it is awesome that this crew has earned this award," said Senior Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Rita Carman. "We have worked very hard for it."

Peleliu is currently preparing for a scheduled 2010 deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.