Last modified Wed., March 19, 2008 - 04:18 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 20, 2008

USS Gettysburg Earns 2007 Battle 'E'

By Lt.j.g. Dennis Panos, USS Gettysburg PAO

Gettysburg was selected as the 2007 Battle "E" recipient from Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG12). The battle efficiency award recognizes sustained superior performance among four command areas which are; Maritime Warfare, Engineering/Survivability, Command and Control, and Logistics Management. Within CSG12 Gettysburg was choosen as the Ship which best fulfilled the Navy's mission readiness requirements through a battery of exercises and inspections in all departments.

The crew of the Gettysburg received the news Feb. 29, when Capt. Rich Brown, Gettysburg's commanding officer annouced that after an ardous 2007, which included an intense compound training cycle and Persian Gulf deployment, Gettysburg had won the Battle Efficiency award. The Sailors aboard Gettysburg were pleased to hear about the recognition from the Strike Group, which provided them with the confirmation that the hardwork and teamwork evident daily onboard Gettysburg did not go unnoticed.

Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Dilangin Young commented, "The award shows that the dedication displayed by Sailors of all rates and ranks on this Ship is second to none. The Battle "E" is a testament to the fact that through thick and thin during deployment and work ups the Gettysburg crew focused upon completing the task at hand at a very high level."

Winning the Battle "E" is one of the top command accomplishments in the Navy, and in recognition of the honor Gettysburg is authorized to wear a large painted "E" on her bridge. The large, white "E" is visible from across the basin, and stands proudly over the command area painted "E's." These command area "E's" were earned in 2007 and previous years for excellence in the specific command categories.

The Battle "E" on the bridge provides a sense of pride for Sailors who see the painted "E" daily when reporting onboard, and the Sailors have a visible sign to show family and friends of all their hard work and accomplishments while overseas. Gettysburg Sailors are also authorized to wear the Battle "E" ribbon for the rest of their service.

Petty Officer Reddick, the Sales Division LPO, took great pride in receiving the Battle "E" ribbon to show his family, "Its tough leaving my wife and children at home during deployments, but his award is tangible proof to my family about how hard my shipmates and I worked while we were away from home. I am proud to serve aboard a Ship which excels among the world's greatest Navy."

The Sailors aboard Gettysburg are proud of their award and would like to thank all the friends and family at home who supported them throughout this past year. The support provided a daily impetus to work a little harder and dig a little deeper which directly contributed the the Ship's Battle "E" and continuing success.