By MC2 Danica M. Sirmans

Navy Lt. Christopher Hayes, a student in NPS' Department of National Security Affairs, offers a few remarks after receiving the Adm. Arleigh Burke Surface Warfare Operational Excellence Award during the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) 27th National Symposium, Jan. 15. Hayes was honored with the award based on his superior performance as Weapons Officer, Navigation Officer and Administration Officer aboard the USS Antietam (CG 54).

"The award is a testament to the arduous duties of those assigned to forward-deployed naval forces, and to my fellow shipmates who supported me throughout my tenure," said Hayes. "Thank you to my fellow Surface Warfare community, both past and present, for their confidence in my abilities, especially Capts. Michael McCartney, Thomas Halvorson, and Thomas Disy, who challenged me to be my best."

SNA's Adm. Arleigh Burke Surface Warfare Operational Excellence Award recognizes a junior Surface Warfare officer, and a junior enlisted Surface Warfare specialist, who have exhibited sustained excellence in the operational art of Surface Warfare as demonstrated on U.S. Navy surface ships.