PACIFIC OCEAN (March 16, 2013) - An officer assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), was recently awarded the Junior Shiphandler of the Year award for 2012 by Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7.

Ensign Codie Rose, deck division officer, earned the award by outperforming junior officers from amphibious ships throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet in a simulated ship handling competition in Sasebo, Japan.

The competition featured evolutions ranging from pulling away from a pier, to handling the ship during an underway replenishment.

Each officer selected a team consisting of a helmsman and lee helmsmen from their command to assist them in the competition.

"Navigation can get tedious, but it is essential and can be fun when you have the opportunity to take charge of a naval warship," said Rose. "It felt great to take everything I've learned and put it to the test in the heat of competition."

The team was graded in a number of areas, testing their ability to perform and take charge during each evolution.

"Bonhomme Richard has set the standard in 7th Fleet for the training of its junior officers, and it made a tremendous difference in the competition," said Rose. "Because of my training, I was able to lead my team during each evolution and execute the mission successfully."

Rose and his team scored the highest overall average enabling them to bring the award home to Bonhomme Richard.

"This award is a testament of not only the dedication and hard work of Ensign Rose, but also the commitment to training put forth by all Sailors of Bonhomme Richard," said Capt. Daniel Dusek, Bonhomme Richard's commanding officer. "He demonstrated a resplendent commitment to his craft and I believe he has a very bright future in the United States Navy."