Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Rex Nelson | 150527-N-QO773-024 KINGS BAY, Ga. (May 27, 2015) Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, deputy...... read more read more
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KINGS BAY, Ga. – The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) was presented with the 2014 Omaha Trophy at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay on May 27.
The Omaha Trophy is given annually to strategic assets in global operations, submarine ballistic missile, intercontinental ballistic missile and strategic aircraft operations. It is awarded to units who have demonstrated the highest standards of performance based upon formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety, and factors such as community involvement and humanitarian actions during the previous calendar year. This year, the trophy was presented to Alaska’s Blue and Gold Crew commanding officers by Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, deputy commander of United States Strategic Command. Kowalski addressed Alaska’s Blue and Gold crew members during the presentation.
“You all have notched some significant achievements,” said Kowalski. “This is the sum of all of the small things that are done by all of you every day, and that is due to leadership. Every single member out here has got to be a leader, to make the kind of achievement like this happen. When I look out here at all of you, and I look down here at all the pages that reflect all those achievements, it’s clear that every single member here is personally committed to what you do. Every single one of you owns this mission.”
In addition to winning the Omaha Trophy, the Alaska also won the Battle ‘E’ for Submarine Squadron Twenty. The Blue Crew also received the Weapons White ‘W,’ and the Gold Crew received the Personnel Readiness White ‘P’.
Cmdr. David Forman, commanding officer of Alaska’s Blue crew, addressed his Sailors following the presentation and added, “This trophy is a result of your success, hard work, dedication and pride. I’m honored to be your captain.”
This is the fourth time in 10 years Alaska has received the award, being named the best strategic asset in the submarine category.
“This award is really a testament to the hard work our Sailors put in day-in and day-out around the clock. Without your dedication to the Trident submarine force, this country would not be a safe place.,” said Cmdr. Craig Gummer, commanding officer of Alaska’s Gold crew. “Great job both crews and I look forward to continued success and the challenge of the awards again next year.”
The original Omaha Trophy was given by the citizens of Omaha, Neb., to Strategic Air Command 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 as well as the top aircraft unit to help reflect the combined joint effort of the strategic deterrence mission.
Alaska is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the State of Alaska and the seventh of 18 Ohio-class submarines. USS Alaska was commissioned Jan. 25, 1986.
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2015 16:24 |
| Story ID: | 164729 |
| Location: | KINGS BAY, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 270 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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