The crew of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) received the 2020 Battenberg Cup Award in a ceremony aboard the ship, June 1, 2021.
The Battenberg Cup is awarded annually to the ship or submarine selected by the fleet commander as the best all-around in the Atlantic Fleet, based on accumulation of crew achievements.
Adm. Christopher Grady, the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presented the award to Truman’s Sailor of the Year, Retail Services Specialist 1st Class Kimberly Fleming, on behalf of the crew.
"The Battenberg Cup is a testament to what you can achieve with Toughness, Tenacity, and of course, Teamwork. Your sustained superior performance before, during, and after deployment in 2020 has been exceptional," said Grady. "Each of you should be as proud of yourselves and of the entire Harry S. Truman team, as I am of you and all of your shipmates. So congratulations on your outstanding, well-earned award, and never, ever stop giving 'em hell."
Originally awarded as the trophy for the winner of cutter or longboat rowing races between the crews of American and British naval ships, the event ignited friendly, spirited competition. The races were discontinued during World War II after the cup sank with the Colorado-class dreadnought battleship USS West Virginia (BB 48) during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Three decades after both the ship and cup were restored, a new competition was established to recognize the operational efficiency and fighting spirit of U.S. Navy ships and submarines in the Atlantic Fleet.
Not to be deterred by the uncertainty that was 2020, Truman’s crew continued to exemplify their high standards for excellence. During its seven-month deployment with 167 underway days over 45,000 nautical miles, the ship served as the sole COVID-free readiness response aircraft carrier in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and Exercise Vigilant Osprey.
“USS Harry S. Truman serves as the flagship for our strike group and truly personifies the professionalism and dedication the U.S. Navy strives for every day,” said Rear Adm. Ryan Scholl, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. “I am incredibly proud of the team and their outstanding accomplishments in 2020 and what we continue to see as we return to operations in 2021.”
The winner of the 2020 Commander, Aircraft Carrier Atlantic Battle “E”, Truman also received every departmental award including Air Department Yellow “E,” Combat Systems Green “E,” and Health Services Blue “M.” Additional accolades include the 2020 “Golden Anchor” Retention Excellence Award for the sixth consecutive year, the 2020 Admiral Flatley Memorial Award for aviation safety, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
“The spirit and determination of Truman’s Sailors are what made this happen,” said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, Truman’s commanding officer. “Our crew’s phenomenal performance in overcoming challenges to achieve mission success sets them apart.”
Truman is currently conducting basic phase certifications and assessments.
For more news from Truman, visit www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn75/, www.facebook.com/cvn75, or www.twitter.com/ussharrystruman