USS George Washington named best Atlantic carrier

US Navy Press Releases, 20050229

. USS George Washington best Atlantic carrier by JOSN Pete Robertson, USS George Washington Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NWSA) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) earned COMNAVAIRLANT's aircraft carrier Battle Efficiency Award for 1996.

"What this award establishes is what we have known all along, that George Washington is the best carrier in the Atlantic Fleet," said CAPT Malcolm P. Branch, the carrier's commanding officer.

The carrier also claimed eleven out of twelve departmental efficiency award categories.

The Battle "E" award, Command Master Chief ETCM(SW) Kevin Lavin pointed out, "is a tremendous goal to strive for, a tremendous goal achieved, and something the crew of George Washington should be tremendously proud of." He told Sailors to use this award as a launching pad to get another one for next year's cycle.

George Washington is now in competition for the Battenburg Cup Award, presented to the Atlantic Fleet Battle "E" winner with the greatest accumulation of crew achievements.