Bremerton Navy League Recognizes Sailors
By MC2 Ronald Gutridge
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 01/27/2011

(PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) – The Navy League United States (NLUS) Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council hosted an award ceremony for four Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) at the submarine piers on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 26.

This ceremony is the first since the NLUS Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council adopted their namesake submarine Jan.11.

Dr. Byron Faber, Navy League trips and tours representative, presented the awards and thanked the Sailors for the remarkable job they are doing while serving their country.

"We are extremely thrilled to support this submarine and to have the opportunity to show our appreciation," said Faber. "We are tremendously proud of each and every one of you for your service on our namesake submarine and to the service of our country."

The four sailors were recognized for their professionalism and exceptional work they dedicate to USS Bremerton and the Navy on a daily basis. Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SS) Bevon Drummond,"Silent Service Specialist of the year", Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SS) Ryan Rugg, "Silent Engineering Work Horse", Sonar Technician Submarine 2nd Class (SS) Elijah Atchley, "Tactical Adonis of the Year" and Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SS) Matthew Eliason, "Navy Operations Petty Officer of the Year," received a Navy League commemorative plaque.

"The Navy League has done a lot of great things for not just us four, but for the whole crew and their families," said Eliason. "Deployments are very challenging and we are all very grateful for everything they do for us while underway. I am proud to be a part of their namesake submarine."

USS Bremerton was the second United States Navy ship to be named in honor of Bremerton, Wash., a city which has been long associated with both the Navy and submarine force. Cmdr. Caleb Kerr, USS Bremerton commanding officer, reflects on the awards presentation and how the Navy League supports his crew.

"I am very proud of all my Sailors and appreciate the Navy League to take the time to recognize some of them," said Kerr. "As we prepare for our next deployment, it gives me peace of mind knowing that we all have the support of the Navy League."

The Navy League is an association made up of former military members and civilians interested in supporting the services. The League strives to improve the understanding and appreciation of those who wear the uniforms of our armed forces and to better the conditions under which they live and serve.