The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) "Gold Eagle" was awarded the 2006 Admiral Vern Clark Safety award during a ceremony in Washington D.C., April 3. Carl Vinson’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Ted Carter, received the award from the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the Honorable Donald Winter. The award is named after retired Adm. Vern Clark who served as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) from July 21, 2000, until his retirement July 22, 2005, making his five-year tenure the second longest serving as CNO. The “Gold Eagle” earned the prestigious award for its innovative safety planning directly improving overall safety for the command, as well as the crew’s ability to create a climate where safety consideration is an integral part of the command’s mission.