The award recognizes outstanding contributions to fleet readiness, increased morale, efficiency, and economic use of resources through safety. Providence competed against other fast attack submarines in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
In a citation presented to Providence, Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), congratulated the crew of the Los Angeles class submarine.
"The outstanding seamanship and superior performance of the extraordinary crew of USS Providence reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest standards of the United States Navy in the areas of safety afloat and mishap prevention," Roughead wrote.
The period of the award was Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008. During that time, Capt. Michael Holland, Deputy Commander, Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, was commanding officer of Providence. In Feb., Cmdr. Raymond Gabriel assumed command from Holland, becoming the boat's 11th commanding officer.
"The safety of the submariners who serve our country is of paramount importance," said Rear Adm. Paul J. Bushong, Commander, Submarine Group Two. "I applaud Providence for winning this award."
The winner in each category will receive a plaque and a CNO citation. Recipients are authorized to display the green safety "S" on the bulwark until the results of the next competitive cycle are announced.