Truman Wins Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) learned July 19 that it was the Atlantic Fleet's 2009 winner of the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award, becoming the first Nimitz-class carrier to earn the honor twice.

The award is rotated between carriers, submarines, and other warfare platforms and is awarded annually by the Chief of Naval Operations to one Battle "E" winning vessel from the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.

Truman also received the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award in 2004, the last time an aircraft carrier was eligible. The next opportunity an aircraft carrier will have to compete will be in 2012.

"This prestigious award reflects the commitment, dedication, and sustained pursuit of excellence of every Sailor on board," said Capt. Joe Clarkson, Truman's commanding officer. "I could not be more proud of these young men and women, and I cannot think of a better way to recognize their battle-readiness as we continue operations in support of troops on the ground in Afghanistan."

Aboard Truman, readiness is a part of an overall culture of hard work, professional pride, and commitment. With more than 100 new Sailors reporting to Truman every month, training becomes a priority in keeping the ship and its crew in top condition.

"We wouldn't have been recognized for our battle-readiness without all of the training we do to get to that level," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Robert Scott, assigned to Truman's Training Department.

"Since Truman's commissioning, there has been a feeling of 'No one does it better than we do,'" said Capt. Steven Wieman, Truman's operations officer. "Our success comes from keeping our eyes on what is important. We have excellent leadership at the petty officer and chief level, and they develop their new Sailors with a focus on battle readiness and efficiency."

Leadership makes a point of communicating their high standards to Truman's crew members and encouraging them to take ownership for the role they play.

"I love being in the Navy, and being on a ship with Truman's reputation for battle readiness makes it even better," said Seaman Braydon Duby, of Deck Department's 1st division, who reported aboard Truman one year ago. "I am on the best ship with the best crew. That gives me confidence that we are going to get the job done on this deployment."

The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award includes a $1,500 stipend, which will be given to the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund to benefit crew members.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.