English: Groton Conn. (Dec. 5, 2003) -- Adm. William J. Fallon, U.S. Fleet Forces Commander, talks with the crew of the Los Angeles Class submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761). Adm. Fallon toured the fast-attack submarine after presenting the Arleigh Burke Award to Springfield’s crew. The Arleigh Burke Award is named for one of the Navy’s most celebrated officers. Adm. Burke served as a Destroyer Squadron Combat Commander during WWII and Chief of Naval Operations from 1955 to 1961. The award is given annually to the most improved Battle-Efficient Submarine, Ship, or Aircraft squadron from the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet. Her superior performance across the board during preparations for the execution of an arduous Mediterranean Sea/Indian Ocean deployment made the ship a vital contributor to the security of the United States. She was recognized by both the Sixth and Seventh Fleets for her consistently outstanding performance meeting every operational challenge with a high level of enthusiasm and impressive professionalism. Springfield was selected to participate in a bilateral exercise with an allied submarine, was recognized by the Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Battle Group for superb support during COMPUTEX, and had the highest rated quality assurance program of all Groton based submarines. U.S. Navy photo. (RELEASED)