 |
|
| Official U.S. Navy file photo. |
|
| View Larger | Download HiRes |
Stennis Awards Top Leaders, Honor Ships Namesake
Story Number: NNS051014-12
Release Date: 10/14/2005 9:45:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class Ryan Hill, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
ABOARD USS JOHN C. STENNIS (NNS) -- More than 60 officers, chief petty officers, spouses and distinguished visitors assembled at the McCormick Woods Country Club Oct. 6 to honor two leaders from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
The 10th annual ‘Straight Furrow’ and ‘Look Ahead’ honors were presented to Stennis’ most deserving officer and senior enlisted member during the leadership awards dinner.
“It’s important to be able to get our leadership together and recognize individuals for their great work,” said Capt. David Buss, Stennis' commanding officer. “These awards recognize an officer and chief petty officer who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills over the past year in the spirit of Senator Stennis’ vision of integrity, honor, courage and commitment.”
The ‘Straight Furrow’ award was presented to Cmdr. Paul Verrastro for his work as Stennis' Supply Officer. The supply department received a number of awards this past year, including the Ney award, which is given to the carrier with the best food service. “There is not an award in sight that the supply department did not win last year,” said Buss.
‘Straight Furrow’ is named after a quote by ship namesake, Mississippi Senator John C. Stennis, who said, “I want to plow a straight furrow right down to the end of my row”. "The quote is a reference to Mississippi farmers who had to work hard and keep looking forward in order to plow a straight line in the fields," said Rex Buffington, executive director of the Stennis Center for Public Service.
The ‘Look Ahead’ award was presented to Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW/AW) David Wisniewski for his work in the engineering department. ‘Look Ahead’ is a phrase that Senator Stennis kept on various items around his office and is currently found on the ship’s ball caps.
Wisniewski joined a department running on all cylinders, said Buss. He instituted programs that helped bring engineering on Stennis to a whole new level.
“This is a time to celebrate Stennis leadership,” said Buffington. “It’s evident that leadership is there [on Stennis] at every level. It’s important to remember that the two we honor represent the whole ship.”
For related news, visit the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn74/.