Two Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) received annual leadership awards from the Eisenhower Foundation in Abilene, Kansas, Oct. 14.

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Nicholas Noviello, Ike's Medical department lead chief petty officer, received the General Eisenhower Leadership Award and Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Claudia Ohar, Supply department's S-13 division officer, received the President Eisenhower Leadership Award.

Capt. Paul C. Spedero Jr., Ike's commanding officer, and Command Master Chief Todd Mangin accompanied the awardees to the weekend ceremony.

"Both of these Sailors set themselves apart by their involved leadership and their investment they make to their Sailors," said Spedero about the award winners. "They both go above and beyond."

The trip to Abilene corresponded with the city's celebration of Dwight D. Eisenhower's birthday and the 40th anniversary of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's commissioning - Oct 14. 1890, and Oct. 18. 1977, respectively.

The Sailors were invited to join the Eisenhower Foundation in Dwight D. Eisenhower's hometown of Abilene, Kansas in celebration of their accomplishments. The weekend also involved a visit to Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School, media engagements, a visit to Ike's boyhood home and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.

The Sailors were recognized for performing their jobs beyond the scope of their normal duties both on the ship and in the community.

Ohar has been in the Navy for 18 years and finds her job extremely rewarding.

"The most rewarding part of being a leader is shaping the minds of younger Sailors and see them grow," said Ohar. "I've seen Sailors come in thinking they aren't going to stay that long and then ten years later I see them become chiefs and officers."

Ohar reported to Ike in 2014 and leads a team in 38 Supply department Sailors. She is also heads Ike's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate program and a member of the Damage Control Training Team. She is actively engaged with the YMCA, Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, Fleet and Family Support Center and local food bank.

It meant a lot to Noviello to accept the award in Abilene, Dwight D. Eisenhower's boyhood home and to be compared to the ship's namesake.

"It is truly an honor to be given this award," said Noviello. "It's humbling to see where Ike came from see everything he accomplished in his life. It's an honor to be awarded the General Eisenhower Leadership Award."

Noviello reported to Ike in 2015 and leads a team of 57 Sailors and provided medical care to over 7,200 Sailors on Ike's recent 2016 deployment. He is member of the Integrated Training Team is also the command's Division in the Spotlight coordinator. Additionally, also selected to lead the entire chief petty officer's mess of 192 Sailors in CPO 365 as the Phase II Chairman.

Command Master Chief Todd Mangin was proud to honor two of his senior chief's and reward them for their hard work and dedication to the Navy and their Sailors.

"They exemplify what the Navy looks for in leadership," said Mangin.

The Abilene-based Eisenhower Foundation sponsors the President and General Eisenhower Awards, both of which are open to all Sailors permanently assigned to the ship.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.