Two Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) received annual leadership awards from the Eisenhower Foundation in Abilene, Kansas, Oct. 9.

The Abilene-based Eisenhower Foundation sponsors the President and General Eisenhower Awards, both of which are open to all Sailors permanently assigned to the ship.

This year, the foundation selected Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Gentry Lloyd as the General Eisenhower Leadership Award winner for outstanding service to the ship and selected Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Brandon Jarvela as the President Eisenhower Leadership Award winner for outstanding service in the local community.

Capt. Stephen T. Koehler, Ike's commanding officer, sent a video message conveying his warm regards while the ship is underway, continuing its robust operational schedule.

"These are two great Sailors that you're recognizing," Koehler said. "I'm certain you'll have a wonderful time getting to meet these Sailors as you celebrate not only their accomplishments, but as you celebrate a landmark birthday for one of our nation's greatest presidents as well. Although I can't be there with you, please know that I'm with you in spirit as we press forward out here to make sure the Mighty Ike is more than ready for the fight."

Ike Command Master Chief Shay Langejans, who accompanied the awardees to the ceremony, said they have both distinguished themselves by providing strong leadership within their departments and throughout the ship.

"Having Senior Chief Lloyd in the Chiefs Mess has been incredibly valuable to the success of the ship over the last few years," Langejans said. "I wish I had ten of him. The level of deckplate leadership he provides is an inspiration to his peers and to junior Sailors alike."

Lloyd chaired the command's CPO 365 program for developing future chief petty officers, served as one of only eight senior enlisted duty section leaders on the ship, and managed job assignments shipwide as the command's collateral duty coordinator. Under his leadership, the ship's Medical department ranked number one among all aircraft carriers fleetwide for medical readiness, and under his leadership, Navy Times selected an Ike hospital corpsman as the Sailor of the Year for fiscal year 2015.

Lloyd said that many of his peers work just as hard as does, and that he was lucky to be the one selected.

"It's an honor, it's humbling. But really, this is a team award. Nobody succeeds without help, and I got lucky that I was able to work with a great group of Sailors. If I come across as a good leader, it's because my Sailors are working hard," Lloyd said.

Jarvela also felt the award experience was humbling, and agreed that his individual recognition was the result of the efforts of many people.

"I've never accomplished anything without having good people working right alongside me," Jarvela said. "Success breeds success, and I've been fortunate to work with some successful people."

Jarvela founded his own organization, the Sailors Giving Back Association (SGBA), to perform volunteer work in the Hampton Roads community. Since its inception, nearly 300 SGBA volunteers have performed more than 2,400 documented hours of community service and have hosted 18 volunteer events. Jarvela selected each event, coordinated and supervised all the volunteer work, and developed relationships with each organization the SGBA partnered with along the way.

The trip to Abilene corresponded with the Navy's 240th birthday, Oct. 13, the Eisenhower Foundation's celebration of President Eisenhower's 125th birthday, Oct. 14, and the ship's 38th birthday, Oct. 18.

Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.