APRIL 5, 2017, YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) – The Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville was awarded the 2016 Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) Award, March 14.
The Battle “E” Award recognizes sustained superior performance in an operational environment and sustained continuous readiness. Ships that earn the award must demonstrate day-to-day excellence in addition to superior achievement during certifications and qualifications.
Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Forces, said in his announcement message, “Congratulations to all award winners. Your success in meeting mission area excellence standards is noted with pleasure.”
The 2016 Battle “E” Award marks the eighth time Chancellorsville has received the recognition since the ship’s commissioning on Nov. 4, 1989. Specific Battle “E” Awards for 2016 included the Logistics Management Excellence (Blue “E”) Award, for the third consecutive year; the Command, Control, Communications and Information Warfare Excellence (Green “E”); and the Ship Safety Excellence (Yellow “E”) Awards, for the second consecutive year. Chancellorsville was also recognized with the Maritime Warfare Excellence (Black “E”) Award.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of the Chancellorsville team to earn this prestigious award,” said Capt. Wilson Marks, Chancellorsville’s commanding officer. “It is a testament to the impressive combat readiness the crew exhibited throughout the year.”
As air and missile defense commander for Carrier Strike Group 5, Chancellorsville spent the majority of 2016 participating in joint and multi-national exercises and operations throughout the South and East China Seas, the Philippine Sea, and Korean Theater of Operations.
Operation Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Lopez said, “It’s great to see all of our hard work and time at sea pay off in such a tremendous way. No one was left out in this award and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of a crew so committed to excellence and passionate about their job. Press on!”
Chancellorsville Sailors who were members of the ship’s crew during 2016 are now eligible to wear the Battle “E” ribbon on their uniforms, and Sailors who have a previous Battle “E” can now add an additional “E” device to the ribbon.
Chancellorsville is assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
By Ens. Kyle Plunkett, USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) Public Affairs