USS Topeka Earns 2009 Battle E Award
By COMSUBRON Eleven Public Affairs

Release Date: 01/25/2010

(NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif.) – Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, Capt. Brett Genoble, presented USS Topeka (SSN 754), a Los-Angeles-class fast attack submarine, with the prestigious 2009 Battle E Award Jan 25. The Battle E is awarded once a year, based on the overall achievement among the boats in the squadron. The Battle E distinguishes Topeka as Submarine Squadron 11's top boat.

This is the third year in a row that Topeka has earned the Battle E. The boat has earned the award 7 times since its commissioning in 1989.

Commanding Officer Cmdr. Marc Stern said, "It's particularly rewarding to receive this award, knowing the accomplishments of all the other boats at the squadron. It was well deserved because of the work of our crew especially following a successful deployment."

Topeka's Chief of the Boat said that the award was earned by the crew's dedication and team work. "We have a great crew who really work well together and does the job to the best of their ability," said Master Chief Frank Lynn, Chief of the Boat.

Topeka's Supply Officer Lt. j.g. Tucker Taylor attributes their winning the Battle E award to a focused team. "What won us the battle E was our ability to say focused on the mission at hand," said Taylor.