Battle Group Commander presents Battle 'E' plaque

The Battle Group Commander presented Indy's Command Master Chief with a plaque Sunday recognizing the Independence and her crew as the 1997 Battle Efficiency Award winner.

Rear Adm. Charles W. Moore, Jr. presented the plaque to Machinist's Mate Master Chief (AW/SS) Ashley Dwiggins during the Admiral's Call on SITE-TV.

"I'm very proud of the crew. We came close (to winning) the last two years," Dwiggins, who accepted the plaque on behalf of the crew, said. "It's good to finally get recognized. The crew deserves it."

Moore was on television to talk to the crew about our departure from the Arabian Gulf and to commend the crew for their outstanding performance underway and while on liberty.

The fact the crew of Independence worked so hard to maintain its readiness in 1997, which led to the Battle "E" selection, was also the reason she was selected to relieve USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Gulf, Moore said. He added that the crew should be proud of this and felt Independence was the best aircraft carrier in the Navy, not just the Pacific Fleet.

"Each of you, from the captain to the newest crewmember, should be proud of this award," Moore said. "There is no other award in the Navy that captures the excellence that we all have to put forward to get this combat readiness we so desperately need."

Capt. Mark Milliken, Independence Commanding Officer, said Carrier Air Wing FIVE played a vital role in Independence's selection. He thanked Capt. Richard Mauldin and all the Sailors of the Air Wing for their support and hard work.

PHOTO: Rear Adm. Charles W. Moore, Jr. presents MMCM (AW/SS) Ashley Dwiggins the Battle 'E' plaque.