USA: Submarine Force Pacific Fleet SOY Announced

Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) for Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet were announced today following a week of events where 10 SOY candidates representing various commands from the Pacific submarine community competed for the distinguished title.

The 2012 Sea Sailor of the Year was awarded to Electrician’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Franklin Tenney of USS Maine (SSBN-741)(BLUE).

The 2012 Shore Sailor of the Year was awarded to Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Andrew Edwards of Commander, Submarine Group 7, Yokosuka, Japan.

All candidates were honored during a luncheon today, where Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Frank Caldwell, was the guest speaker.

“To our honorees, thank you for your dedication to our fleet, for your Honor, Courage, and Commitment and for your service to our Navy, our Submarine Force and your fellow shipmates. You inspire me and I truly appreciate all you do,” said Caldwell.

Sea Sailor of the Year Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Tenney said the experience has been a wonderful one.

“I’m very humbled by the events of the past week,” Tenney said. “I have met and competed against some of the finest Sailors in the fleet and have been inspired by them to continue to strive for success.”

Shore Sailor of the Year Electronics Technician 1st Class Edwards expressed his gratitude for those who had helped him along the way.

“I’m so grateful to all the senior leadership and staff who helped me get to where I am,” Edwards said. “I am very fortunate to have the support of an outstanding Chief’s Mess and their mentoring and guidance have made me the Sailor I am. I could not have succeeded without their support.”

Both Sailors now go on to represent the Pacific submarine force in the Commander, Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year competition.

“I am confident that the leadership of the Sailors we are honoring today will keep us on the right course well into the future,” said Caldwell.

Other candidates who competed for the Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year title were:
Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Emery Nelms of USS Greenville (SSN-772), Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Jason Lachowitzer of USS Jefferson City (SSN-759), Machinery Repairman 1st Class (SW) Karrie Coleman of USS Frank Cable (AS-40), Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SS) Kevan Lamb of Naval Submarine Support Command Pearl Harbor, Electrician’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Daniel Miller of Submarine Squadron 11, Yeoman 1st Class (AW) Marlyanna Lambert of Submarine Development Squadron 5, Sonar Technician Submarine 1st Class (SS/IUSS) Richard DeSalvo of Naval Ocean Processing Facility, Dam Neck, Virginia.

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Naval Today Staff, March 5, 2013; Image: US Navy