Photo By Ashley Berumen | KINGS BAY, Ga. (Nov. 15, 2021)- Vice Adm. William Houston (right), Commander,...... read more read more
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KINGS BAY, Georgia – The top submarine commander in the U.S. Navy visited Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Nov. 15.
During his first site visit to Kings Bay as Commander of Submarine Forces, Vice Adm. William Houston also took this opportunity to present awards to two submarine crews.
Houston presented the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) Blue Crew the 2020 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy at a ceremony held at the base’s World War II memorial pavilion.
“This award reflects the hard work, dedication and professionalism of this great crew,” said Capt. Patrick Clark, commanding officer of Georgia’s Blue Crew. “I am extremely proud of my crew and all of their accomplishments leading up to being recognized with this award. They are most deserving! I am honored and humbled to be a part of such a great team and remain inspired every day by their dedication, motivation and drive for excellence.”
A naval message announced Georgia’s Blue Crew as the 2020 Atlantic Fleet award recipient. The trophy is awarded annually to one submarine, ship or aircraft squadron, in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet. The command with the greatest improvement in battle efficiency during the calendar year, based upon the battle efficiency competition, receives the award.
Operating forward-deployed, Georgia validated dual-crew deployment certifications, allowing both crews to be fully certified and mission ready prior to the ship’s first deployment. These operations and certifications directly impacted the ship’s mission time and continued guided-missile submarine presence overseas. The crew also received the 2020 Commander, Submarine Squadron 16 Battle Efficiency Award.
Houston also visited with the Chiefs Mess of USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) Gold Crew and presented them the Master Chief Hugh McCracken Award. The award is presented annually to the "Best Chief Petty Officer Mess" in the Atlantic Submarine Fleet.
“I believe the job of all Navy chiefs is to mentor, guide, and lead the Sailors and officers that will be the future of our Navy,” said Chief of the Boat Master Chief Information Systems (Submarines) Sterling Sims. “I am blessed to have a Chiefs Quarters of brothers who share that same belief. Seeing the growth of the Sailors and officers onboard ‘Rhody’ Gold has been an awesome experience. They are the motivation for the things we as a Mess try to push on a daily basis.”
“These awards showcase the standard of excellence both of these commands uphold,” said Houston. “Georgia Blue and Rhode Island Gold are examples of the quality of leadership we need in the Submarine Force. Georgia’s Blue Crew has worked hard and demonstrated great gains operationally and tactically. The Chiefs Mess on Rhode Island Gold has exemplified deck plate leadership and what it means to take care of Sailors. It is an honor to be able to recognize both outstanding award winners here in Kings Bay and highlight their examples to the Submarine Force.”
USS Georgia is the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of the state. Ohio-class guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealth, clandestine platform.
USS Rhode Island is the fifteenth of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines and it is the third U.S. Navy ship to be named for Rhode Island. Ballistic-missile submarines perform the Department of Defense’s primary mission of strategic nuclear deterrence.
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is homeport to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit https://www.sublant.usff.navy.mil/CSG10/ or https://www.facebook.com/submarinegroupten.
| Date Taken: | 11.15.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2021 10:57 |
| Story ID: | 409402 |
| Location: | KINGS BAY, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,383 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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