Award Given For Efficiency, Excellence

Two squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 earned the Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") Award for efficiency excellence for fiscal year (FY) 2009.

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 "Rampagers" and Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 "Patriots," learned Feb. 10 that they won the award for their sustained superior performance in an operational environment.

Two squadrons from each aircraft community, one from each coast, were selected for the Battle "E." "It's a major achievement for the squadrons and definitely something they should be proud of," said Capt. Roy "Trigger" Kelley, Commander CVW 7. "With this announcement, you will see these squadrons out there painting that big "E" on the tails of their jets to let everyone know that they were the Battle "E" squadron."

Kelley noted the final decision to determine who is the most deserving of the "Battle E" is based on quantifiable metrics that include flight-hour efficiency, boarding rates, safety records, material readiness of the aircraft, qualification milestones, reenlistment and retention statistics within the squadron, and inspection results. Squadrons are also graded on general contributions to their platforms, said Kelley.

"VAQ 140 developed new tactics they could use for missions supporting OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom), making a contribution to the EA-6B community and to aviation as a whole," said Kelly.

The award is a credit to the dedication from Sailors throughout the squadrons, said Kelly.

"FY-09 has been a year of hard work for the Rampagers," said Cmdr. Scott Kartvedt, VFA 83's commanding officer. "Our continued prioritization of people, professionalism and mission over the last 12 months has resulted in quantifiable successes, not only for the squadron as a whole, but also for key outstanding individuals on our team. Throughout FY09, our focus has been on operational readiness and the support of national defense policy as an integral part of Carrier Air Wing 7 and the Ike Strike Group."

From the most junior Sailors to the most seasoned aircrew it is a team effort to win the Battle "E", said VAQ 140's Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen. "It is truly inspiring to watch several work centers pitch in to help each other get the job done. It is not uncommon to see our yeomen and our hospital corpsman in the hanger bay helping jack up an aircraft. The Patriots take the concept of teamwork seriously. To win the Battle "E" in a time of war is something every Patriot can take pride in."

The "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 also received the Battle 'E." VRC 40 Detachment 3 provides critical logistical support to the strike group, delivering supplies, people, and mail. The squadron also provided support to Operation Unified Response by transporting more than 300 tons of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cargo to the people of Haiti after the country was struck with a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12.

CVW 7 is currently embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) underway to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

ANN Salutes Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad R. Erdmann, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs.

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/cvn69