USS Alaska Awarded Meritorious Unit Commendation

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Rex Nelson | 150223-N-QO773-047 KINGS BAY, Ga. (February 23, 2015) Rear Adm. Chas Richard, commander of Submarine Group 10, addresses crew members assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) and members of the Savannah Navy League during a Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) ceremony held on Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay. Alaska was recognized for meritorious service from October 2011 to December 2013. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rex Nelson/Released)  

KINGS BAY, GA, UNITED STATES

02.23.2015

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Rex Nelson 

Commander, Submarine Group Ten

KINGS BAY, Ga. – USS Alaska (SSBN 732) Blue and Gold crews were presented the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) for increased warfighting readiness that enhanced global and national security Feb. 23 in a ceremony on Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay.

According to the award citation from Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Maybus, Alaska was recognized for meritorious service from Oct. 2011 to Dec. 2013 during which the ship maintained superior weapons, navigation, and communications readiness, providing an invaluable asset for the strategic forces of the United States. This resulted in back-to-back U.S. Strategic Command Omaha Trophies in 2011 and 2012 as the top ballistic-missile submarine in the nation’s SSBN force. The citation went on to mention the officers and crew who exemplify the ship’s motto of “Alert, Confident, Able,” how they have greatly contributed to the design for undersea warfare and the SSBN fleet’s combat patrol initiatives.

"I am just so proud of you and what you have done,” said Rear Adm. Chas Richard, commander of Submarine Group 10, to both Alaska crews. “I use you as an example all the time of what right looks like when it comes to strategic deterrence. We are thankful and appreciative of the fact that you have changed the dynamic of conflict with your service."

During this same timeframe, Alaska also earned back-to-back consecutive Battle Efficiency “E” awards as the best all-around SSBN assigned to Submarine Squadron 20.

"You guys have earned it when it comes to these awards and you have done a phenomenal job," said Capt. Bill Houston, commodore of Submarine Squadron 20. "You have knocked it out of the park. It takes a lot of hard work and you are doing it together as a team, and that’s your success. The most important mission we have in the Navy is preventing the next major power conflict and you are a big reason for it."

The MUC was established by Former Secretary of the Navy John T. McNaughton in 1967 to be given to a unit for valorous or meritorious achievement.

Alaska is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the territory or state. The submarine is one of six Ohio-class SSBN’s homeported at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, providing the survivable leg of the nation's strategic deterrent forces.

• Date Taken: 02.23.2015
• Date Posted: 02.24.2015 15:11
• Story ID: 155261
• Location: KINGS BAY, GA, US