In honor of Arch Griffin and the great USNA Class of ’78, there are six annual leadership awardees: a Junior Officer, a Chief Petty Officer, each level of Petty Officer, and an E-3 and junior. Award winners are nominated by peers and selected by a board chaired by the Captain. Winners must possess:
- Motivation and devotion to the Navy
- Sustained excellence in leadership, personal behavior, and military appearance
- Exemplary character
- Superb military and technical performance
- Strong support of the command’s goals and philosophy
- As part of the selection process, nominees prepare of one-page essay entitled “What Makes a Leader”
- Awardees receive a plaque and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal denoting distinction as an Arch Griffin Memorial Leadership Award recipient