GW Sailor Recieves Lt. Cmdr Regina P. Mills Leadership Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik, USS George Washington Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) was awarded the 2014 Lt. Cmdr. Regina P. Mills Leadership Award, Aug. 10.

The Aviation Boatswain's Mate Association recognized Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Brian Haynes, from Walterboro, South Carolina, as one of this year's recipient.

Since 2012, the award is presented annually to aviation boatswain's mates in honor of the first female aviation handler, who died when she was hit by a truck while assisting a state trooper with a motorcycle accident. Two junior enlisted aviation boatswain's mates are chosen annually, each from the Pacific and Atlantic fleets.

"The winners are chosen from among all of the Navy's second and third class petty officers who work as aviation boatswain's mates (handling, fueling and equipment)," said Haynes, a 2008 graduate of Colleton County High School.

The Mills award was created by the Aviation Boatswain's Mates Association (ABMA) in honor of Lt. Cmdr Mills and to recognize Sailors who show exemplary leadership.

Haynes was nominated by his chain of command based upon his record of sustained superior performance. According to his award package, Haynes' impeccable military bearing, demeanor, technical expertise and deckplate leadership have warranted his nomination from a field of exceptionally qualified candidates.

His chain of command also stated that Haynes is a hard working and extremely reliable Sailor whose attitude and willingness to perform tasks sets the standard for his peers to emulate.

"I just advise other Sailors to never quit," said Haynes. "Even when you feel like you are working hard and the work is unnoticed, you should keep going. Just make it through the tough times and know that someone is always watching. You might not get a 'good job' or a pat on the back right then and there, but you don't know what is brewing for you in the future."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.