The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) was presented with the 2015 Omaha Trophy at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, March 23.

The Omaha Trophy is given annually to United States Strategic Command assets in global operations, submarine ballistic missile, intercontinental ballistic missile, strategic bomber and strategic aircraft operations.

It is awarded to units who have demonstrated the highest standards of conduct and performance based upon mission accomplishment, formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety, and other factors such as community involvement and humanitarian actions during the previous calendar year.

During a ceremony in the NSB Kings Bay Trident Training Facility auditorium, the trophy was presented to Wyoming's Blue and Gold crew commanding officers by Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, deputy commander of United States Strategic Command. Wilson addressed Wyoming's Blue and Gold crew members during the presentation.

"I'm a career Air Force officer and bomber driver," Wilson said. "Having the opportunity to be a part of STRATCOM's front office since last July has really opened my eyes to the specifics of just how hard you and your fellow SSBN crews work, how professional your mission execution is despite the hazardous operating environment you sail in, and just how important your mission is to our American way of life."

Wilson also listed some of Wyoming's major accomplishments in 2015, to include earning the highest possible grade on their Operational Reactor Safeguards Exam, exceedingly high marks for tactical readiness evaluations, the Submarine Group 10 Medical Yellow "M," receipt of the second squadron "Battle E" in four years, an 88 percent re-enlistment rate for the Gold crew and the Blue crew's impressive advancement numbers.

"I want to recognize the families of both crew's Sailors, because for every Sailor at sea there is a family back home, without whose support we could not accomplish our mission," said Cmdr. Kenneth Curtin, the commanding officer of Wyoming's Blue crew. "It is my honor and privilege to serve as Commanding Officer of these fine men and women who selflessly sacrifice so much for the good of so many."

The original Omaha Trophy was given by the citizens of Omaha, Nebraska, to Strategic Air Command in 1971, to be presented as an annual award to the top Air Force wing.

In 1992, following the activation of Strategic Command, the Strategic Command Consultation Committee, representing the citizens of Omaha, requested the award be given to the top ballistic missile unit as well as the top aircraft unit to help reflect the combined joint effort of the strategic deterrence mission.
Wyoming was commissioned in 1996 and is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named USS Wyoming.

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