 The annual Secretary of the Navy Environmental and Safety Excellence Award ceremony was held in Washington, D.C. July 23rd. Being awarded the Emerging Center of Safety Excellence Award from the Deputy Secretary of the Navy is an extreme honor. I think it shows safety is a priority of the Navy, but it also highlights that not just me, but my command is truly dedicated to preserving the assets and to being responsible to the sailors. I would never have expected, when I checked on board, that I would be up here receiving this honor from the Deputy Secretary of the Navy. There were a total of 24 awards, 7 Safety Excellence, and 17 Environmental Awards presented at this year's ceremony.