Lexington native honored with prestigious President Eisenhower Award
October 12, 2018
Every year a select few Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) earn the prestigious Stennis Center Leadership and Eisenhower Foundation Leadership Awards. The honors are reserved for Sailors who have demonstrated proficiency and competence in leading the Ike team to victory.
With a surprise announcement, Capt. Kyle P. Higgins, Ike’s commanding officer, named the winners of the five 2018 awards, Sept. 18.
Although the awardees must demonstrate superior knowledge and skills in their field, modesty and a down-to-earth attitude like that of Chief Personnel Specialist James Long, a native of Lexington, South Carolina, and winner of the President Eisenhower Award, are often staples of the recipients’ character.
“It’s a great and humbling honor to receive this,” said Long, who won the President Eisenhower Award. “I believe that the award is so much bigger than me, and I am honored to be able to represent Ike through it.”
Along with the President Eisenhower Award, the other Eisenhower Foundation Leadership Award is the General Eisenhower Award. The Stennis Center Leadership Awards are comprised of the Waging Peace Award, Spirit of Freedom Award and the Five Star Award.
Prior to the announcement, a selection board was assembled by Capt. Craig C. Sicola, Ike’s executive officer, to review each nominee for the same qualities that defined the lives and careers of both President Eisenhower and Senator Stennis. Command Master Chief Todd Mangin, along with four department heads and departmental leading chief petty officers, selected the winners based on personal values like integrity, public service, vision and commitment.
While Long sees these values as essential to being a good leader, one word has always stood out to him when describing his personal approach.
“I always tell my Sailors that the key is teamwork,” said Long. “I believe strongly in teamwork. I like to be able to walk around and see Sailors helping each other out. It gives me a sense of pride in my command and in my Navy.”
