The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard's (LHD 6) Supply Department was awarded their 16th consecutive Logistics Management Excellence Blue "E" Award, for Fiscal Year 16, for their overall departmental efficiency by Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) San Diego, March 14.

Supply Department achieved a 92.99 percent score for the management of its general stores, food service, retail and postal operations, during its supply management certification.

Bonhomme Richard's Supply Officer Cmdr. George Clark, from Wadesboro, N.C., said supply department's means to success is maintaining a team with high levels of situational awareness and training.

"Making sure that people know what's going on through daily communications is one key to our success," explained Clark. "The other is that they know their jobs through training and mentoring. When someone knows what they're doing, feels good about the work environment and know what's going on around them, they can do great things."

Similarly, Chief Logistics Specialist Sheryl Gutierrez, stock control's leading chief petty officer, from Batangas City, Philippines, said a well-led crew is the heart and soul of an award-winning department.

"I don't have to micro-manage my Sailors," explained Gutierrez, "they have the initiative, professionalism and ownership to support their individual programs. They are self-sufficient, which allows me to do my job as chief. This work ethic is evident through all supply divisions."

The professionalism of supply's personnel is another factor, which led to the acceptance of the award, Clark said.

"I think it's extremely important to treat everyone with respect," said Clark. "I believe that if supply's leadership, and by that I mean 'khakis' and everyone with a 'chevron', treat their Sailors with respect, it will help instill a sense of pride and professionalism in the way we deal with our customers and do our business."

Being on the other side of the globe, 14 hours ahead of their suppliers means supply must be flexible, Gutierrez explained. They often work long hours in order to ensure that all the supplies are en route to the ship.

"Commander Clark once said 'excellence is not achieved within eight hours,'" said Gutierrez. "Excellence is continuous; it is something we always instill into our junior Sailors. They have this quality, they are always ready for the task at hand, and they are an excellent group to work with."

Junior Sailor, Logistics Specialist Seaman MarkJoshua Ines, from Lahaina, Hawaii, who has been aboard Bonhomme Richard for nine months as a store room custodian in the ship's main-issue store room, said he has noticed the camaraderie between all supply divisions during his short time working with them.

"I honestly feel very proud to be a part of it [the Blue 'E' Award]," said Ines. "Every single person in supply, no matter who they are or what their position is, plays a vital role in the mission. As the saying goes, 'a chain is just as strong as its weakest link.' If there is no teamwork, the anchor is doomed to fall to murky depths."

With the 16th Blue "E" Award bestowed upon Bonhomme Richard, Clark said supply is already on track for their 17th.

"Blue 'E's come through culture," explained Clark. "They come from a mindset of taking care of people, both within the department and ship-wide. As long as we maintain that mentality, we'll be good to go."

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