Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), gathered together to recognize six of their peers as Sailors of the Year, Junior Sailors of the Year and Blue Jackets of the Year, Dec. 5.
Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Cory Ervin , Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Neville Willoughby , Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Fredrick Reischour , Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Jessica Scholl , Machinist’s Mate Fireman Diane Saidat and Information Systems Technician Seaman Mason Wicks were given praise during an all hands muster on the pier by Frank Cable’s commanding officer, Capt. Pete Hildreth , for all their accomplishments throughout the year. “The Sailor of the Year program recognizes dedicated Sailors who best exemplify the Navy’s core values and made significant contributions to the accomplishment of Frank Cable’s mission,” said Hildreth. “They epitomize the hard work that hundreds of Sailors accomplish on Frank Cable every day.” According to Willoughby and Scholl, it was a great honor to be chosen for their hard work and dedication to the Navy, Frank Cable and their fellow shipmates. “I feel honored and blessed,” said Scholl. “I feel that if I can be recognized for the things I do on a day to day basis, and that makes me a Sailor of the Year, then I have done something right.” Both Willoughby and Scholl said they strive to make themselves someone others can emulate. Both Sailors spend a great deal of their time doing volunteer work and dedicate themselves to those around them. “It feels very rewarding to know that all of your hard work is being recognized,” said Willoughby. “ I always ensure that I’m performing at the highest level in every aspect of my career, i.e. Sailor development, education, command/community involvement, physical fitness and performance.” Immediately following the Sailor of the Year ceremony, Frank Cable held a frocking ceremony for all the newly selected 1st, 2nd and 3rd class petty officers. Among those that made rank were Scholl and Saidat, who are now both eligible to wear the rank of petty officer 2nd class and petty officer 3rd class, respectively. “Never give up on yourself, even if things get hard once in a while,” said Scholl. “Never let yourself think you cannot do something, because anything is possible when you put your mind to it.” Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 07, 2011; Image: navy