Three Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) were presented with Stennis Center Leadership Awards during a ceremony at the McCormick Woods Golf Course in Port Orchard, March 12.

The awards included the "Commander in Chief, Pacific Command" (CINCPAC) award, presented to Lt. Cmdr. Craig Joyce, the "Five Star" award, presented to Senior Chief Information Specialist Robert Kingston and the "Pacific Thunder" award, presented to Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Matthew Kelly.

"It was really a surprise and an honor to be a recipient of the Stennis Leadership award," said Kelly. "I have a chain of command that empowers me to make guided leadership decisions."

The Stennis Center for Public Service presents these awards annually to Sailors who have demonstrated sustained superior performance and exhibited exceptional leadership skills.

"I would not have been able to do this without the Sailors who allowed me to lead them through very difficult tasks," said Kelly. "They really worked together and without their hard work it would not have been such a success."

"Leadership has no rank," said Kingston. "I look at this as a team accomplishment from the lowest maintenance person to my department head"

The awards are uniquely designed to effectively capture the likeness and spirit of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, for whom the carrier is named.

The awardees earned a trip to Washington, D.C., including transportation and lodging for them and their spouses, to provide the awardees with a better understanding of the role of Congress and to make them more aware of how John C. Stennis made such a lasting impact on our nation through his leadership.

For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/.