Reagan, Truman earn Battle ‘E’

[Da-Chief]

The aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan received the Battle Efficiency — or Battle “E” — award for the third time in four years since the Nimitz-class flattop first became eligible for consideration. The award recognizes a ship, squadron or submarine’s superior operational performance.Reagan previously was named Pacific Fleet’s top carrier for 2006 and 2008.Reagan’s commander, Capt. Kenny Norton, said his sailors “are the sole reason for our winning three times in the past four years. They have a singular focus each day, to do everything they can to support our air wing and the troops on the ground. Their dedication is an inspiration.”The Norfolk, Va.-based Harry S. Truman earned top carrier honors for Atlantic Fleet, its second Battle “E” in two years. Truman, commanded by Capt. Joe Clarkson, is scheduled to leave in March for what is expected to be an eight-month deployment.The award, Truman’s fifth since 2003, “reflects the commitment, dedication, and sustained pursuit of excellence of every sailor on board,” Clarkson said in a statement. “I cannot think of a better way to recognize their battle-readiness as we prepare for our upcoming deployment.” Truman won 12 top departmental awards.Vice Adm. Thomas Kilcline, who commands Naval Air Forces in Coronado, Calif., announced the winners Wednesday.Kilcline’s decision means that some sailors aboard Reagan will wear multiple “E” devices on their ribbons. Reagan returned home in October after a five-month deployment to the Arabian Sea and Horn of Africa region and is in the midst of a planned maintenance period at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.The crew was thrilled when they learned by message traffic of the award.Sailors “understand the direct impact they have on accomplishing our mission. It is much more than words, Reagan sailors believe it,” said Command Master Chief (AW/SW/SS) Mark Rudes. “Just walk onboard and you’ll sense the energy.”“It’s waterfront bragging rights,” Lt. Cmdr. Ron Flanders, a Reagan spokesman, said Thursday.

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