Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two presented the Commander, Naval Air Forces 2015 Ship Handler of the Year for the Atlantic Fleet Award to the assistant navigator (ANAV) aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), June 3.

The award recognizes Lt. Scott Miller for his outstanding performance as both principal assistant (PA) to the navigator and
training lead for all officers of the deck (OODs) and command duty officers (CDOs) aboard GHWB.

Miller's department head, GHWB Navigator, Cmdr. Marc Christino said he wanted to recognize Miller's talent, determination, and humility in making GHWB's mission a success and nominated him for the award.

"Lt. Miller is unmatched in his ship knowledge and ability to conduct safe underway operations," said Christino. "His tireless dedication to make GHWB the best and most professional ship handling team is remarkable. There is no task too big for Lt. Miller. He has a calm demeanor and confidence while serving as OOD that creates a positive atmosphere fostering critical communication and reaction to any casualty the watch may face."

Miller stood duty when the U.S. Navy launched initial attacks on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria and Iraq in late 2014, planned and executed the first-ever aircraft carrier visit to Duqm, Oman, and flew aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) to assist in their restricted waters transit to a new homeport in Norfolk. His personal accomplishments played a large part in winning the award, but other factors considered were the achievements of his fellow OODs and subordinates.

"I am a firm believer in the saying 'Knowledge is the only permanent resident of a command,' meaning everything you learn during a tour shouldn't leave with you," said Miller. "At every opportunity you should strive to make junior personnel better by sharing not only knowledge, but personal experiences."

Miller certainly did take every opportunity by personally training all bridge-qualified watchstanders and producing the first-ever CVN Officer of the Deck Manual for Commander, Naval Air Forces. This resource is now the go-to guide for anyone standing duty on the bridge of an aircraft carrier.

"He has created a positive environment for learning while ensuring that a high level of excellence is maintained," said Christino.

While the award recognized Miller, he recognizes the efforts of the entire crew on the bridge.

"I think we have a great atmosphere on the bridge which starts with our leadership, from the captain to the navigator, but ultimately rests in the hands of our OODs," said Miller. "If I ever come back to the Bush, I want to walk on the bridge and find a group of junior officers having as much fun driving the ship as I did."

GHWB is currently undergoing a planned incremental availability period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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