USA: NAVFAC Announces Sea, Shore SOY

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) announced the selection of its 2011 Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year Feb. 21.

NAVFAC Commander Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey announced Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) Patrick Cunningham from Naval Support Unit, State Department was named as the Sea Sailor of the Year, and Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) Minoru Underhill from NAVFAC Far East was named the Shore Sailor of the Year.

“The actions, motivational leadership and dedicated efforts of Petty Officer Cunningham and Petty Officer Underhill make them most deserving of selection as the Naval Facilities Engineering Command 2011 Sailors of the Year,” said Mossey. “Well done.”

The NAVFAC Sailor of the Year program recognizes Sailors who best represent superior dedicated service in a particular type of duty. The Sailor of the Year epitomizes Navy core values and is typified by a history of sustained superior performance, including significant positive command impact, outstanding mission contribution, and proven leadership ability.

Cunningham distinguished himself as leading petty officer and shop supervisor while assigned to U.S. embassies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, Africa, where he planned and implemented the maintenance of all technical security equipment in the Horn of Africa.

“I am extremely proud to represent NSU and NAVFAC as Sailor of the Year,” said Cunningham. “In the past, I have worked mostly construction, but also was a tactical communications instructor for three years. Technical security may be different in many ways, but the technical aspect of my past experiences has greatly helped me succeed in my current job.”

Cunningham’s provided more than 100 days of support to four U.S. embassies in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, his completion of 230 work orders allowed a 98 percent critical equipment uptime with zero safety or security mishaps.

Working for NAVFAC Far East, Underhill distinguished himself as operations chief and leading petty officer of the Public Works Construction Branch, Naval Air Forces, Atsugi, Japan, where he managed the planning and execution of 10 facilities and quality of life improvement projects.

“I’m very proud of the overall accomplishments of my team and how that helped me get to where I am today,” said Underhill of his selection. “All I did was do my job to the fullest, take care of my troops to the best of my abilities, tackle obstacles head-on and make mission success my focus.”

Additionally, his supervision of the Public Works emergency trouble desk resulted in the reduction of more than 450 back-logged work orders, minimized the use of master labor contractors’ overtime, and improved response times for his branch.

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Naval Today Staff , February 23, 2012