USS Ohio Earns Battle 'E'

In this December 2008 file photo, the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) visits Naval Station Pearl Harbor on the return leg of its historic first deployment as a Trident guided-missile submarine. This will be the final stop before returning to its home port of Bangor, Wash. The submarine departed Naval Base Kitsap Oct. 14, 2007 for its maiden deployment, which began a month ahead of schedule. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. David Benham.)

In this December 2008 file photo, crew members of the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) prepare to moor at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for the final stop before returning to homeport at Bangor, Wash. The submarine departed Naval Base Kitsap Oct. 14, 2007 for its maiden deployment, which began a month ahead of schedule. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. David Benham.)

Focus on Defense:

SILVERDALE, Wash., March 4, 2009 -- The guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) received the Battle Efficiency award, or Battle "E," during ceremonies held in late February aboard Naval Base Kitsap.

"The crew worked extremely hard during the ship's 15-month deployment to the Western Pacific," said USS Ohio (Gold) Commanding Officer Capt. Dennis E. Carpenter.

"Both crews worked extremely hard, even while in port, to be trained and certified in all aspects of our mission areas. We also performed well during those missions while deployed, which helped us to be able to win the Battle E. We did very well on all of our inspections too."

In addition to the Battle "E", the Ohio received other honors, such as the Tactical "T" and the Deck Seamanship "D" awards.

"The Tactical "T" was for our tactical employment of the ship within our certifications and the exercises and operations that we conducted," said Carpenter.

"The Deck Seamanship "D" was due to a lot of hard work by a small portion of the crew to keep our topside in excellent condition. We had very high level visitors that were coming down every time we pulled into port, and each time those guys had to paint the entire topside of our ship and keep it up. Even while some of the other guys were going on liberty, and even some times at night, these guys are topside painting the ship."

Carpenter said that the Battle "E" award is a testament of the crew working together as a team to accomplish the mission.

"The success of a submarine is not due to just any one person. Everyone's job is very important, down to the most junior Sailor. If he's not doing his job, we have problems. The success of the Ohio, and I think I can say this for both crews, is due to teamwork, everyone showing up on board and contributing to the success of the ship."

For the crew, earning this award is a good way for them to be recognized for the work they do.

"It's a great sense of accomplishment for how hard we worked this past year and all the training we've done," said Fire Control Technician 2nd Class (SS) Shaun Wintink, Ohio (Gold) crew. "It's nice to be recognized for how well we've operated the ship at sea. I think it's a great way for the whole crew to be recognized that we can proficiently operate the ship at sea and do it well."

(Report by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Det. Northwest.)

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