Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic announced the selection of the Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) Jan. 26 during a luncheon at Naval Station Norfolk.
Rear Admiral Ted N. Branch praised Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Naomi B. Stout , Sea Sailor of the Year, and Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class (AW) Maria E. Johnson , Shore Sailor of the Year, as well as all the other candidates for their accomplishments.
“I have been in our business for quite a few years, so I’ve seen a lot, and I’m not easily impressed. But let me be the first one to say that this group of Sailors is exceptional. Each of you have already won. Your commands have selected you to represent them as the very best of the best. Your presence here is proof of your individual accomplishments, and I salute you all.”
The 10 candidates represented more than 50,000 men and women serving in the sea and shore components within Naval Air Force Atlantic. Each represented their respective commands after being selected as that command’s Sailor of the Year.
Stout currently serves as Quality Assurance Leading Petty Officer for the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 in Jacksonville, Fla. A native of Glastonbury, Ct., she lives in Fleming Island, Fla. with her husband and son. Stout enlisted in the Navy in 1998.
Although currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Johnson represented Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 at NAS Oceana, Va., where she served as the Leading Petty Officer for the squadron’s aviation equipment work center. Her responsibilities included leading a team in maintaing 60 aircraft and aviation survival equipment for 130 aircrew. Born in Dallas, Texas, she joined the Navy in 1998, and lives in Virginia Beach, Va., with her husband and three sons.
Both Sailors will advance to the next selection process to determine the Sailors of the Year for U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
The other finalists for Sea Sailor of the Year included Master-at-Arms 1st Class Tony L. Burrell , Logistics Specialist 1st Class Aretha A. Gipson , Naval Air Crewman 1st Class James M. Haydu , and Logistics Specialist 1st Class Jason W. Luedke .
The other finalists for Shore Sailor of the Year included Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Phillip W. Boykin , Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Hector R. Ontiveros , Logistics Specialist 1st Class Angela M. Talleyminor , and Naval Air Crewman 1st Class Nicholas D. Wood.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 02, 2012; Image: navy