Rear Admiral Herman Shelanski recognized for Jewish Military Leadership

The JCC Association announced that it will present the Jewish Military Leadership Award to Rear Admiral Herman Shelanski, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, at the JCCs of North America Biennial in New Orleans on May 7, 2012. “Admiral Shelanski personifies the highest qualities of a Jewish military leader,” said Rabbi Harold Robinson, director of JWB Jewish Chaplains Council. A retired admiral himself, Robinson added, “He has shown consistent concern for the ability of Jews in the Navy to fully express their Jewish identity while they serve their country.”

Rear Admiral Shelanski began his Navy career when he was commissioned an ensign in July 1980 at Aviation Officer Candidate School and earned his Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Wings in the E2-C Hawkeye in 1982.

Shelanski commanded VAW-121, the Bluetails on the USS John C. Stennis’s maiden deployment around the world and was awarded the CNO Battle E Award, Safety Award and the AEW Excellence Award. He commanded and decommissioned the 6th Fleet’s fighting command ship, USS La Salle. He commanded USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) for a seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and maritime security operations. The ship was awarded the 2008 CNO Safety Award, Battle E Award and the Secretary of Defense Large Category Maintenance Award. In June 2009, As commander of the Truman, Shelanski installed an ark and Torah on the ship, and he has led the effort to supply all aircraft carriers with Torah scrolls.

The Jewish Military Leadership Award is given in recognition of devotion to Jewish life and peoplehood in addition to high military achievement. A committed Conservative Jew and active member of his Norfolk, Virginia congregation, Shelanski has been an avid supporter of Torah for Our Troops, JWB Jewish Chaplains Council initiative to commission special lightweight Torahs for chaplains to use in the field and as they move from ship to ship. “We’re proud and happy to present him with this award,” Robinson said.