The retail operations division (S-3) of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) was awarded “Best Ship’s Store” for fiscal year 2017 during a ceremony on the ship’s mess decks Aug. 20.

The Retail and Service Excellence Award covers the range of services from proper management of the barbershop, to the laundromat and the ship's store. It is presented to ships that exceed retail and service expectations.

The award was presented by Rear Adm. (Ret.) Robert Bianchi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Navy Exchange Service Command and former supply officer.  He said it’s important to understand the benefits S-3 provides to the crew.

“That’s what it’s about,” said Bianchi. “Delivering that quality of life benefit, and the ship’s S-3 division did that every day.”

Senior Chief Ship’s Serviceman Cynthia Beale, the leading chief petty officer of S-3, said the award was a direct product of her Sailor’s ability to work together.

“Earning the award for best in class ship’s store award is a huge accomplishment for any ship’s serviceman,” said Beale. “We wouldn’t have earned this award without a strong team effort.”

Over the course of fiscal year 2017, S-3 division did more than 43,000 pounds of laundry, completeled 650 haircuts, and earned 1.2 million dollars in sales.

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