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U.S. Pacific Fleet Sea, Shore Sailors of the Year Announced
From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), announced the FY 2020 Sailors of the year (SOY) during a ceremony held at the Headquarters of PACFLT, July 14. Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Michael W. Bukowski was selected as the Sea SOY and Navy Counselor 1st Class Brittany F. Flowers was selected as the Shore SOY.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, PACFLT commander, commended the 11 SOY nominees from across the fleet.
“It is my great honor to recognize our 11 Sailors for their significant contributions to the warfighting readiness of the U.S. Pacific Fleet,” said Paparo. “They exemplify our core values of honor, courage, and commitment with their dedication of service and continue the legacy of excellence established by our storied history of Pacific Fleet Sailors. Make no mistake…the warfighting readiness relies on the intellect, strength, character, and creativity of our Sailors – these leaders are the vanguard of our fleet!”
Leading up to the ceremony the 11 nominees learned about the rich naval history and heritage of Pearl Harbor. They toured the USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri Memorials to reflect on those Sailors who lost their lives in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Prior to announcing the winners, Pacific Fleet Master Chief James R. Tocorzic praised all the SOY nominees for their hard work and dedication throughout their careers.
"All of our nominees deserve recognition. The two Sailors of the Year represent the best of our Navy,” said Tocorzic. “They have demonstrated the highest standards, and proven themselves by their hard work, dedicated performance, and leadership. I look forward to witnessing their future in the Chief Petty Officer Mess."
Bukowski, assigned to the Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, from Winter Park, Fla., will be meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer as part of his selection as PACFLT Sea SOY.
"This was a humbling experience," said Bukowski. “This acknowledgement is a reflection of the junior Sailors I work with. This achievement is because of their action and the mentorship I’ve received from my chain of command.”
Flowers, assigned to the Surface Division 11, from Big Timber, Mont., will be meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer as part of her selection as PACFLT Shore SOY.
"I appreciate everyone who has helped me get here," said Flowers. “This experience has been one of a kind and I am excited for what is next.”
The sea SOY finalists were: Information Systems Technician 1st Class James R. Dorsey, of Carrier Strike Group 11; Operations Specialist 1st Class Kenneth L. James, of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Detachment Joint Mobile Ashore Support Terminal; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Michael Marshall, of 1st Marine Division.
The shore SOY finalists were: Gunner's Mate 1st Class Joseph Radtke, of Navy Munitions Command Pacific, East Area Division Unit Yokosuka; Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Jonah B. Meredith, of Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet; Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Robert T. Hoesl, of Airborne Command and Control Squadron 116; Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Chancellor Keeler, of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni; Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Brandon Q. Hudson, of Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific; Operations Specialist 1st Class William D. Gilpin, of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing One.
Former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet established the SOY program in 1972 to recognize outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors who best represented the group of dedicated professional Sailors at each command, and ultimately, the Navy. Within 10 years, the Sailor of the Year program was expanded to include the shore establishment and Navy Reserve Sailors.
Adm. Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith revised the SOY program to focus on talent management and enlisted leader development. The update increased the number of Sailors meritoriously advanced from four to 18. The update also modified the competitive cycle dates and provided clarity for competition timelines and nomination format to align with CPO selection board precepts and convening order.
| Date Taken: | 07.14.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2021 03:16 |
| Story ID: | 400936 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 135 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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