USS Alaska Claims Omaha Trophy

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120421-12
4/21/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(SW) James Kimber, Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- USS Alaska (SSBN 732) was selected as one of four recipients of the 2011 Omaha Trophy April 19.

The Omaha Trophy is awarded to units who demonstrate the highest standards of performance. Selection for the award is based on formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety and other factors, such as community involvement and humanitarian actions. The award is given to strategic assets in global operations, submarine ballistic missile, intercontinental ballistic missile and strategic aircraft operations.

This is the second time in six years Alaska has received the award and the second year in a row an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine from Kings Bay was named the best strategic asset in the submarine category.

"Alaska consistently proves to be a top strategic performer," said Rear Adm. Joseph Tofalo, commander, Submarine Group Ten. "Alaska is the most effective strategic missile submarine team in the Atlantic and has demonstrated unmatched abilities in mission readiness as one of the nation's strategic assets."

In addition to winning the Omaha Trophy, the Alaska also won the Battle 'E' for Submarine Squadron Twenty. The blue crew also received the Strategic Operations White 'S,' and the Medical Yellow 'M.'

"I am really proud of this award. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Alaska family," said Cmdr. Kevin Byrne, commanding officer, USS Alaska (Blue). "Without the selfless commitment of our sailors, their families, and the Kings Bay team, including Trident Refit Facility, Trident Training Facility, Naval Submarine Support Center, Submarine Squadron 20, and Submarine Group 10, we would not have been able to achieve this success."

The original Omaha Trophy was given by the citizens of Omaha, Neb., to Strategic Air Command (SAC) in 1970, to be presented as an annual award to the top Air Force missile wing.

In 1992, following the activation of Strategic Command, the Strategic Command Consultation Committee, representing the citizens of Omaha, requested the award be given to the top ballistic missile unit and the top aircraft unit in order to reflect the current joint effort of the strategic deterrence mission.