VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 22, 2026) — Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific leadership announced the 2025 Sailor of the Year (SOY) and Junior Sailor of the Year (JSOY), recognizing two Sailors whose leadership, professionalism and dedication significantly advanced mission readiness across the expeditionary force.
Master-at-Arms 1st Class (EXW) Eddie Estrada was selected as the NECC/NECCPAC Sailor of the Year and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Jerry Bourgeois was named NECC/NECCPAC Junior Sailor of the Year.
The Sailor of the Year program recognizes Sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, technical expertise and leadership that directly supports fleet readiness and the Navy’s warfighting mission.
“Petty Officer Estrada and Petty Officer Bourgeois exemplify the very best of our expeditionary force,” said NECC’s Force Master Chief Eric Neal. “Their sustained superior performance, warfighting focus and commitment to mission readiness have made a measurable impact across NECC, and they set the standard for what right looks like in today’s Navy.”
Sailor of the Year
Master-at-Arms 1st Class (EXW) Eddie Estrada
Eddie Estrada’s dynamic leadership and technical expertise proved pivotal to mission success and professional development across Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and the broader Navy security force community.
Estrada, serving as Navy Expeditionary Combat Command security force community sponsor leading petty officer, led oversight of programs supporting more than 12,000 Master-at-Arms Sailors across 11 mission areas, strengthening readiness and ensuring alignment with evolving mission requirements.
Recognized as a subject matter expert within the Master-at-Arms rating, Estrada was hand-selected to lead a comprehensive review of the MA Occupational Standards that directly shaped the future of the rate.
Supporting the Chief of Naval Operations’ “Battle Ready Force” campaign, Estrada assessed force structures and helped develop concepts to strengthen security forces capable of countering Level II threats, irregular enemy forces operating outside front-line combat zones.
Beyond operational contributions, Estrada served as a Command Resiliency Team member, Assistant Command Fitness Leader, and First Class Petty Officer Association president, helping strengthen command climate, morale and readiness.
“My time at NECC has been incredibly rewarding, and this recognition is truly a reflection of the team I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside,” said Estrada. “I’m honored and motivated to keep working hard, contribute to meaningful policy changes and help develop the future of the Master-at-Arms community.”
Junior Sailor of the Year
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Jerry Bourgeois
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Jerry Bourgeois exhibited superior fiscal discipline and decisive leadership, directly strengthened the operational readiness and sustainment of expeditionary forces across the Pacific theater.
As NECC/NECCPAC financial and material manager, Bourgeois managed a $6.5 million operating budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and the timely procurement of mission-critical equipment for 24 expeditionary units.
He processed hundreds of supply orders, including $5.6 million in gear, equipping expeditionary crews for deployment across the Pacific.
In addition to his core duties, Bourgeois played a vital leadership role as the Assistant Command Fitness Leader, 2nd secretary for the Junior Enlisted Association, and championed command morale + command engagement.
“It’s a privilege to be named Junior Sailor of the Year, especially among such a hardworking and dedicated group of Sailors,” said Bourgeois. “My time at NECC has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s motivated me to keep improving and supporting the mission however I can. I’m thankful for the leadership and teammates who have invested in me and helped me get to this point.”
The Sailor of the Year program recognizes Sailors who embody the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment while delivering measurable impact to the fleet, with Estrada and Bourgeois selected to represent Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, reflecting both their performance and the command’s commitment to excellence and mission readiness.
| Date Taken: | 04.13.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2026 14:47 |
| Photo ID: | 9612374 |
| VIRIN: | 260413-N-EM931-8176 |
| Resolution: | 1840x2301 |
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| Location: | US |
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