U.S.S. PELELIU (Nov. 09, 2005) - Sgt. Benjamin M. Ables and Cpl. Odena Colon, were awarded Navy Achievement Medals by Col. J.W. Bullard, Jr., 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit commanding officer, in the hangar bay for achieving the titles of the11th MEU Noncommissioned Officer of the quarter and Marine of the quarter. Ables, air traffic controller, Marine Medium Helicopter 166, and Colon, wireman, MEU Service Support Group 11, received their awards the same day the MEU conducted the cake-cutting ceremony for the Marine Corps 330th birthday. "This is one of the highest honors anyone can achieve," said Ables a Prescott Valley, Ariz. native, was also meritoriously promoted to his current rank for taking the NCO of the quarter board. "It's a once and a lifetime chance and place to be awarded here aboard the Peleliu," said Colon, Queens, N.Y. native. (Official USMC photo by: Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon) For public release

Photo by Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon