Last modified Thu., September 18, 2008 - 02:32 PM
Originally created Thursday, September 18, 2008

Naval Academy Class of '66 Honors Hue City

By Ensign, Nicholas Watts-Fernandez and Lt.j.g Ruben Lopez

On Sept. 11, the United States Naval Academy class of 1966 joined the crew of the USS Hue City (CG66) in recognizing two Sailors whose exemplary performance of duty epitomizes the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The event was held in conjunction with a picnic honoring the services of the Class of 66.

The Naval Academy Class of 1966 established the Junior Officer and Petty Officer Leadership Awards to recognize those deserving junior officers and petty officers who have distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties on board USS Hue City (CG 66) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66).

The Class of '66 began issuing the awards at the request of Captain Thomas I. Eubanks, a 1966 graduate of the Naval Academy and Hue City's first Commanding Officer. The Leadership Awards have been presented every year on board USS Hue City and USS Gonzalez since their inception (1992 and 1996, respectively).

A cash award of $200 is presented each year to the Award recipients. In addition to the formal letter that each recipient receives from the Class of 1966, he or she also receives a framed certificate.

The awards were presented by the president of the Class of '66, Michael D. Haskins, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired), whose own awards include the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Defense Superior Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with three Gold Stars, Meritorious Service Medal with Three Gold Stars and many more.

Haskins has also served in numerous command capacities, including Commander, Iceland Defense Force; Commander, Patrol Wings U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan. Vice Admiral Haskins lives in Colorado and traveled to Mayport, Florida, to make the presentations.

The first award was given to Sonar Technician Surface 1st Class (SW) Robert W. Ingerson. Ingerson was instrumental in the Hue City's exceptional performance during her seven-month overseas deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

His leadership and technical expertise were instrumental in sustained combat readiness and, as the divisional representative, he was influential in advancing the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist training program.

The second award was given to Ensign Ryan P. Kelly. A 2007 graduate of the Naval Academy, Kelly was assigned to duty as the First Lieutenant on board the USS Hue City and was made immediately responsible for the safety, training, supervision and leadership of 37 Sailors on a daily basis, in addition to maintaining the ship's cosmetic appearance.

Kelly and Ingerson were each awarded a certificate and check for their continuing and accomplished service in the United States Navy.

Attendees had the opportunity to mingle with the members of the Class of 1966 over barbeque, cake and refreshments and enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon in the pavilion. The cake was also in celebration of the Hue City's 17th birthday on Sept. 14. Entertainment included a dunking booth and games for the children. The event was a successful acknowledgement of the leadership skills and high quality of service provided by the recipients and also offered a solemn remembrance of the tragic occurrences of Sept. 11, 2001.