Every year at the Legacy Gala, the Eisenhower Foundation presents prestigious leadership awards to two sailors who serve on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. While we are disheartened that we are not able to hold the Gala in person this year, we are pleased to still be able to recognize these soldiers.

2021 President Eisenhower Leadership Award: Presented to a sailor who demonstrates leadership aboard the ship and in the civilian community.

Chief Petty Officer David Cunningham led his team of Culinary Specialists and Food Service Attendants through each stage of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan, from the maintenance phase, through basic and advanced phases, and conquering a record-breaking 206 consecutive days at sea deployment. Through tremendous foresight and planning, he spearheaded the Supply department’s $45,000,000 budget for the preservation of over 650 Supply spaces and the planned repair and replacement of over 168 pieces of major equipment during the Shipyard period.

Outside the command, he selflessly acts as a community pillar as a member of the Board of Directors for the Menchville House non-profit organization located in Newport News, Virginia. His efforts have assisted more than 20 homeless families return to self-sufficiency by providing access to a temporary home and supportive services.

2021 General Eisenhower Leadership Award: Presented to a sailor whose outstanding performance to duties reflect great credit upon themselves, on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the U.S. Navy.

Lieutenant Commander Daniel Hinkley has exhibited exceptional leadership across the Supply department, and more importantly, throughout the command. His impacts have been profound, enabling the IKE team to safely operate in a COVID environment between two critical deployments. He chaired weekly meetings, bringing together senior leaders from Engineering and Supply departments to focus on repair and replacement of food service equipment. His efforts dramatically improved the equipment status and sanitation for all food service spaces onboard IKE.

This monumental task was accomplished while simultaneously finding creative ways to maximize time off from work for the sailors to recharge and prepare for their second deployment. His efforts significantly improved morale for not only the supply department, but the entire command. Outside of the supply department, LCDR Hinkley is a dedicated, approachable mentor sought out by sailors throughout the command for guidance in both personal and professional matters.