Two USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) Sailors were recognized by Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) during NFR's 2015 Employee Recognition Ceremony, Oct. 8.

Machinist's Mate Second Class Kris Howie and Machinist's Mate Fireman Jacob Hines received the Captain Charlie Britt Lifesaving Award for their actions on May 22, 2015 when they rescued two individuals from drowning in the Hampton Roads area.

The Sailors were fishing off a rock jetty on the edge of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel when they caught sight of a boat hitting a structure beneath the bridge, throwing two people into the water.

As the watercraft's driver and passenger struggled in the water, the Sailors realized that the watercraft's occupants were unable to save themselves.

"We just saw people who needed help," said Hines. "The first thing that went through my mind was, if that were my wife, I would hope somebody would jump in and save her."

The Sailors dove into the water and swam more than a quarter mile through the water to the struggling crash survivors. The Sailors noticed the driver and passenger of the watercraft had possible concussions and numerous lacerations on their faces.

"The quick thinking and immediate actions of the Sailors, without rescue equipment, in water capable of causing moderate hypothermia, likely prevented additional injury and possibly death of one or both of the victims," said David Pendergrass, acting battalion chief of Battalion Two at NFR.

One Sailor boarded the watercraft, as the other took ahold of the driver and passenger. The Sailor then used the watercraft to tow his shipmate while he held the two addled crash survivors.


As he neared land, the Sailor driving the watercraft found that Norfolk Fire-Rescue was signaling him and made their way to a rescue point. The Sailors helped the firemen bring their charges to the Fire-Rescue Paramedics. The crash victims were then taken to the Norfolk General Hospital Trauma Center.

The Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony is held annually and recognizes members of the Norfolk Fire-Rescue department, supporting agencies, and extraordinary members of society.

"I've worked with these two Sailors for a long time now," said Chief Machinist's Mate Jessie Green. "I don't know what to say, except that those are my guys and I'm extremely proud of them."

USS George H. W. Bush is pierside at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, undergoing a planned incremental availability.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/.