USS Kearsarge Gets Sailor Retention Award

The anchor of the Norfolk-based USS Kearsarge is going gold. The amphibious assault ship has qualified for their second consecutive award recognizing ships that are able to keep the majority of its sailors in the Navy. The award gives the Kearsarge permission to paint its anchor gold.The ship, which is currently deployed, saw more than 50 percent of its sailors who have been in the Navy less than six years re-enlist. Sailors who have been in the Navy from six to 10 years re-enlisted at about the same rate. Some 80 percent of sailors who have served 10 to 14 years also stayed in the service.USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Kevin Sullivan called it a significant accomplishment. He cited military benefits, tuition assistance and a "positive command climate" as reasons for the re-enlistment rate.