WASHINGTON - Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) headquarters and field activities public affairs staff were recognized for communications excellence by the Navy's Chief of Naval Information with four 2011 Thompson-Ravitz Awards, June 22.

The awards, named after Rear Adm. William Thompson and Rear Adm. Robert A. Ravitz, promote professional expertise and excellence by recognizing Navy public affairs achievements.

"It's important that we're communicating with the public about the work we're doing across the enterprise, and NAVSEA's public affairs professionals are the best in the business at telling our story," said NAVSEA Commander Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy.

Colleen O'Rourke of Naval Sea Systems Command headquarters received the Junior Civilian Public Affairs Officer of the Year award for contributions on high profile projects across NAVSEA, including the publication audit, public release process, management of NAVSEA's model ship loan program, and her writing contribution to NAVSEA publications that have increased employee knowledge about the organization.

O'Rourke helped examined publications across the command to determine if efficiencies could be realized from elimination or product delivery methods. Implementation of audit findings is expected to achieve a savings across the command of more than $1 million. O'Rourke also oversees new agreements and loan renewals for hundreds of ship models to promote the Navy at museums, states and other non-profit organizations around the country. 

NAVSEA also received a Thompson-Ravitz award for Proactive Public Information/Media Relations, Shore, Large category for NAVSEA's alternative fuel qualification efforts. The most notable demonstrations included the Nov. 16-17, 2011, transit of the Self Defense Test Ship from San Diego, Calif., to its Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme, Calif., homeport on 20,000 gallons of 50-50 blended hydro-processed algal oil and diesel fuel; and the fastest speed achieved to date by a U.S. Navy surface craft using alternative fuel blends, as a Landing Craft, Air Cushioned vehicle exceeded the craft's maximum speed of 50 knots, Dec. 7, at NSWC Panama City, Fla. 

Surface Combat Systems Center Public Affairs staff received the Community Relations, Shore, Small category award for their efforts to educate the local community about their facility and the Navy. The facility's "Partnership in Excellence" program provided tutoring, mentorship, and motivation to local students. Personnel also rendered funeral honors for local veterans and supported a number of service projects in their community.

NSWC Corona Division received an award Special Events/Projects, Observances and Special Publics, Shore, Small category for their "USS California (SSN 781) Science Experience" hosted by the warfare center at the 12th annual Science and Technology Education Partnership conference. The project reached hundreds of students, and more than a thousand Californians, during a three-city tour in Southern California.

- NAVSEA -

For more information, contact:

Alan Baribeau

Naval Sea Systems Command

Office of Corporate Communications

Office: (202) 781-4123