From Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs
The Blue and Gold crews of the USS Louisiana, (SSBN 743), were presented the 2006 Omaha Trophy Submarine Ballistic Missile Award by Gen. Kevin Chilton, commander, U.S. Strategic Command in a ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor, Wash.
This award is presented to the ballistic missile submarine that demonstrates superior performance and commitment to strategic excellence.
"USS Louisiana set the standard for all other SSBNs on the waterfront to follow, they are most deserving of the special recognition afforded by this Omaha Trophy," said Chilton.
The crews of Louisiana distinguished themselves through superior performance while maintaining 100 percent system readiness during four strategic patrols and outstanding marks in Navy technical proficiency inspections and tactical readiness evaluations.
The Omaha Trophy was initially presented to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in 1971 on behalf of the citizens of Omaha, Neb., by the SAC Consultation Committee, with the request that it be awarded annually to the outstanding SAC air wing.
In 1998, the Omaha Trophy was expanded to three categories: intercontinental ballistic missile trophy, submarine ballistic missile command trophy, and strategic aircraft operations trophy. A fourth category, the strategic space and information operations trophy, was added in 2003.