The Stennis Center for Public Service in Washington D.C. awarded Ens. Jesse Crider, deck department's assistant 1st Lieutenant on board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the Honorable George H.W. Bush Leadership Award, May 6.

The Stennis Center, created in 1988, serves to promote, strengthen and encourage commitment to public service exemplified by the life and work of Mississippi Senator John C. Stennis by recognizing superb leadership in officers and chief petty officers. This award recognizes officers attached to aircraft carriers who show superior and sustained leadership qualities.

Crider, from Utica, Mich., joined the Navy in 2002 as a Boatswain's Mate, and achieved the rank of chief petty officer before earning his commission in 2013.

"I was surprised to hear the announcement," said Crider. "It was very humbling to learn that my peers had gone out of their way to nominate me for the award, and I was not expecting to win. I was standing by the 1MC when the announcement came through. That was the first time I learned I had won, with everybody else."

The commanding officer of the ship announced the award to the crew. The nomination for the award can come from any Sailor who works in that officer's command.

"Ensign Jesse Crider represents the best of George H.W. Bush," said Lt. Cmdr. Zeverick Butts, deck department's 1st Lieutenant. "His commitment to his Sailors and the Navy is remarkable. I couldn't be more proud of him for winning this coveted award and excited for what he will accomplish in the future."

Crider said he owes the award to his Sailors. The high caliber of Sailors on board George H.W. Bush, whom he refers to as "Seamanship Warriors," made it easy to lead.

"Ens. Crider has been my mentor for the last five years," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class James Gainey, leading petty officer of deck department's 1st division.

"We served together at the Naval Academy when he was still a chief, and now I'm honored to be under his leadership once again on George H.W. Bush. He has always provided heart-felt guidance to me and my family. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award. His work ethic and sense of duty are among the best I've ever had the privilege to serve with. I'm not surprised he was nominated, or that he won the award."

Crider, along with the recipient of the Senior Chief Storekeeper Charles G. Zwierzynski Leadership Award for chief petty officers Chief Yeoman J. Bradley Long, will travel to the Stennis Center in Washington D.C., June 12, to receive the award during a ceremony over the weekend and to learn more about the John C. Stennis Foundation that grants the awards.

"The award makes me want to do even better on the job," said Crider. "The Navy gives everybody such awesome opportunities to do more than what they thought they could and I hope this motivates other Sailors to strive for these sorts of awards. I want them to look into that crystal ball and see themselves where I am in the future."

USS George H.W. Bush is currently conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.


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