Two U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships, USS Kearsarge and USS Boxer have received Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) awards.
The officers and crew of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) were awarded March 3, while USS Boxer received its Battle E for the fifth consecutive year on March 6.
The Naval Surface Forces Command (COMSURFOR) Battle “E” award is given annually to the best ships in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, and recognizes a command’s sustained superior performance.
Battle “E” recipients must demonstrate mission excellence in six categories of battle efficiency: maritime warfare, engineering/survivability, command and control, logistics, safety, and efficiency excellence.
Boxer spent several months performing maintenance and implementing systems upgrades. The Boxer crew also integrated with USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), Commander Amphibious Squadron One and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to complete integrated training in preparation for deployment.
Cmdr. Mark Scorgie , Boxer operations officer, said: “To be eligible for the Battle E, Boxer had to earn at least four of the five Command Excellence Awards, satisfactorily complete basic phase certification events for each warfare area on the first try, and do well on INSURV if it happens to fall in the calendar year. Obviously, the Boxer team knocked it out of the park.”
Flagship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG), USS Kearsarge was evaluated throughout the past year and was recognized for its performance. Kearsarge earned four command excellence awards in maritime warfare; engineering/survivability; command, control, communication, and information warfare; and logistics management.