The crew of the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Blue/Gold) stands proudly with their recently awarded Battle “E” Feb. 8. The Battle Effectiveness award is presented to the ship which shows sustained and superior excellence over the other ships in its class.

BANGOR, WA – Commander Submarine Squadron 17 (CSS 17) awarded the 2009 Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E,” award to the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) Feb. 8 at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

The coveted Battle “E” is awarded annually to one ship in each class that maintains the greatest condition of readiness to perform their wartime responsibilities. It recognizes sustained superior performance of the crew and the ship. The competition is conducted to strengthen individual command performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize outstanding performance.

The competition was tough; Kentucky was selected from six other units assigned to CSS 17.

Cmdr. Eduardo Fernandez, Kentucky Blue Commanding Officer, attributed their success to the cohesiveness and hard work of the crew. “I am blessed with a great crew, proactive officers and dedicated chief petty officers, who are very supportive of each other,” said Fernandez.

Capt. David Ratte, Commander, Submarine Squadron 17 presents the Battle Effectiveness award to the crew of the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Blue/Gold) Feb. 8. They were chosen over the other six submarines in CSS 17