Source: United States Navy
During the annual SOY week nominees visited historic sites including the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, USS Utah, and Ford Island. They also visited the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Adm. Samuel Paparo, PACFLT commander, noted that this week’s events were included by design, in order to reflect on our nation’s heroes and the courage they demonstrated in the midst of adversity. He noted that their bravery and resiliency provided inspiration for many generations to come.
U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James “Smitty” Tocorzic and board members shared their experience and encouragement with nominees. Many elements of the week centered around Adm. Paparo’s Fleet Orders of Safety, Readiness to Fight, Shipshape & Seaworthy, Teamwork, Morale, and Family.
“Every one of these Sailors represents the best of Pac Fleet,” said Tocorzic. “Anyone who doubts the readiness of today’s Sailors has not sat across from them and looked them in the eye the way I have. Their willingness to step up on behalf of our Navy and our nation was clearly evident during this week’s board process and the packages submitted by their commands. This was just a small glimpse into their level of service and commitment.”
Yeager, representing U.S. 7th Fleet, and Nagara, representing Aviation Support Division Misawa, will be meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer as part of their selection as the Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year.
The sea SOY finalists were: Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Brianna Bartholomew representing 1st Medical Battalion, Electronics Technician 1st Class Benjamin Priga representing Joint Mobile Ashore Support Team Pacific, Yeoman 1st Class Sarita McBride representing Carrier Strike Group 15, and Operations Specialist 1st Class Matthew Yeager representing U.S. 7th Fleet.
The shore SOY finalists were: Machinist’s Mate Submarine Auxiliary (MMA) 1st Class Ronald Carbone Jr. representing Submarine Readiness Squadron 31, Musician 1st Class Marc Heskett representing U.S. 7th Fleet Band, Information Systems Technician 1st Class Charles Hayley representing U.S. 3rd Fleet, Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jessica Pielop representing U.S. Pacific Fleet, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Putra Nagara representing Aviation Support Division Misawa, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Pascual representing Afloat Training Group Pacific.