Four USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Sailors received Stennis Center for Public Service leadership awards for 2014 and 2015 at a dinner in Virginia Beach, Virginia, July 30. The 2014 George H.W. Bush Leadership award, open to officers in the pay grades of CWO-2 through O-4, went to Lt. Robert Harris out of Reactor Department, and the 2015 award went to Ensign Jesse Crider of Deck Department. The 2014 Charles G. Zwierzynski Leadership award, open to an enlisted person in the pay grades of E-7 through E-9, went to Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Michael Neal of Deck Department, and the 2015 award went to Chief Yeoman Brad Long of Admin Department. "It's a peer selected award, meaning the ship got to choose who they thought was the best of what we have," said George H.W. Bush Command Master Chief David Carter. "Sailors chose the leaders they look up to and admire." The Stennis Center for Public Service awards recognize superb leaders on board aircraft carriers who exemplify the highest contributions in exceptional vision, integrity, courage, commitment to duty, and hard work that has been the hallmark of service in the careers of President George H.W. Bush and Chief Storekeeper Charles G. Zwierzynski. Anyone can nominate an officer or a chief petty officer for the award. "I heard I won with the rest of the crew when the captain announced it over the 1MC," said Harris. "It was definitely a surprise and an honor." All the recipients present at the dinner said they owed their success to the people around them. "I feel happy and humbled at the same time," said Neal. "The idea that people think that much of me makes me proud and feel accomplished." Carter said the group dinner recognized both the 2014 and 2015 award winners because the Bush was deployed last year. It was a way to ensure everyone would be able to enjoy the festivities that come along with winning the awards. The Stennis Center for Public Service arranged a trip to Washington, D.C. for all four award recipients and their families. The trip to D.C. is designed to increase understanding of the role Congress plays in setting national security policy in the United States and in the environment in which Senator John C. Stennis served for 41 years. George H. W. Bush was the 41st president of the United States and namesake of the Sailors' current command. His myriad leadership contributions and strong moral courage are trademarks that reside within the spirit of the entire crew and serve as the basis for the award. Senior Chief Storekeeper Charles G. Zwierzynski epitomizes the qualities that define deckplate leadership. His steadfast devotion to duty, moral courage, tenacity, and exemplary spirit remain an inspiration to all of the Sailors, peers and seniors he has served with throughout his career. He exemplifies our Navy Core Values in his daily actions influences those around him to excel. USS George H.W. Bush is currently in Norfolk Navy Shipyards undergoing a planned incremental availability.