PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Naval Education and Training Command announced the finalists for the training domain’s 2011 Sailor of the Year competition, Jan. 10.

The NETC chief operating officer Rear Adm. Cliff Sharpe commended the finalists for their contributions to the training and education enterprise.

"It gives me great pleasure to recognize these sailors for their exceptional performance and leadership. Knowing that our newest sailors are in the capable hands of these outstanding 1st Class Petty Officers gives me pride and satisfaction,” said Sharpe. “They represent the best sailors we have in the Navy today and their unmatched sustained superior performance is commendable. Each of them demonstrates unrivaled devotion and professionalism in their approach to training and preparing our sailors for the fleet, while guaranteeing the continued and future success of the Navy as a global force for good.”

The following personnel are the finalists for NETC Sailor of the Year for 2011:

Master at Arms 1st Class Robert J. Curtin, Center for Security Forces, Virginia Beach, Va.

Petty Officer 1st Class Alex P. Gruber, Center for Information Dominance, Pensacola, Fla.

Petty Officer 1st Class Laura D. Farlett, Center for Surface Combat System, Dahlgren, Va.

Petty Officer 1st Class William D. Stanford II, Training Support Center Great Lakes, Great Lakes, Ill.

Petty Officer 1st Class Adan Castillo, Naval Service Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Petty Officer 1st Class Shana R. Conjurski, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, Pensacola, Fla.

Finalists will attend the NETC Sailor of the Year Recognition Week in San Diego, Jan. 24-27. Announcement of the Sailor of the Year will be made at a ceremony aboard Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego Jan. 27. Each sailor will receive a Navy Commendation Medal and plaque.

"It’s important to identify our best sailors. When we stop to recognize the hard work, dedication, pride and professionalism that make these individuals rise above the rest, it provides an excellent opportunity for others to follow their example," said NETC Force Master Chief John Snyder.

The NETC SOY program recognizes sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit sustained superior performance, leadership, self improvement, command and community involvement and military bearing. It is open to sailors in the ranks of E-4, E-5 and E-6 who served in the NETC domain during the calendar year.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/