Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Martinez | SAN DIEGO (April 16, 2026) – Culinary Specialist 1st Class Ebony Hudson, assigned to...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO (April 16, 2026) - Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) named the 2026 Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY), April 16, during the annual SOY week at CNSP headquarters on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.
The selections were announced at the SOY dinner, wrapping up the week hosted by Commander, Naval Surface Forces/CNSP Vice Adm. Brendan McLane. Culinary Specialist 1st Class Ebony Hudson, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), was announced as the Sea Sailor of the Year. Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Christina Green, assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1, was announced as the Shore Sailor of the Year.
Hudson transferred to the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in September 2022, where she currently serves as a Leading Petty Officer for the Culinary Specialist rate. In this role, she oversees culinary operations, mentors junior personnel, and ensures the delivery of mission-ready meals in support of the ship's operations. Throughout her career, Hudson has demonstrated unwavering professionalism, dedication to mentorship, and a steadfast focus on operational excellence, contributing to the sustained readiness and morale of the Navy's culinary force and core values.
“I’m still in awe,” said Hudson. “I'm happy that I was able to bring it home. I'm excited, and I look forward to more training and ensuring our sailors are getting the tools they need to be prepared for the fight.”
Green began taking classes at American Military University, focusing on Healthcare Administration, and was advanced to Petty Officer First Class in July 2020. She earned Magazine Sprinkler Operator and Administration Ammunition Manager. During her assignment, she became the Combat Missiles Division Leading Petty Officer and advanced to Weapons Department Leading Petty Officer, directly leading 72 mission-essential sailors across 3 rates and 6 DNEICs. Additionally, she was the FCOA Vice President, USMAPS Coordinator, CMEO Assistant, and Tuition Assistance Coordinator. She was awarded Senior Sailor of the Quarter FY22 2nd QTR.
“Definitely unexpected. It was great competition, but I am looking forward to taking it back to the command we've consistently produced finalists, but this was the first year I've been able to bring it home,” said Green. “I'm really excited to share my knowledge of what I've learned about this process in the last few years with my peers and subordinates, so they can be Sailor of the Year as well, because it didn't just happen overnight.”
Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, spoke highly of these Sailors and their success so far in the Navy, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence as they advance to the next level.
“This is a great time to take a moment and reflect on your accomplishments and what has brought you to this point. You should all feel very proud, and I ask you to temper that pride with humility as you go forward,” said McLane. “Great leaders have the courage and insight to admit their mistakes, seek ideas from their subordinates and ensure that they have a team where everybody feels valued and is a contributing member. Our world continues to be fractious and volatile. Never forget that we remain America's number one choice to operate forward and project power for peace. You are the enablers of that power. I need each one of you to maintain our readiness to fight and win at sea.”
Hudson and Green were selected from sea and shore duty finalists from around the force.
Sea Finalists: GM1 Michael Briones – USS Michael P. Murphy (DDG 112) DC1 Aaron Eckelberg – USS Warrior (MCM 10) CS1 Ebony Hudson – USS Makin Island (LHD 8) MA1 Tommi Kitchens – USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) ET1 Brandon Milcarzyk – Assault Craft Unit 1 (ACU 1) NC1 Avi Reubens – USS Stethem (DDG 63)
Shore Finalists: IT1 Salena Apodaca – Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center HT1 Lakesha Conway – Commander Naval Surface Group Central IT1 Katie Curran – Commander, Naval Surface group Middle Pacific GM1 Christina Green – Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1 YN1 Brandon Mullings – Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 1 MA1 Nevauda Smith – Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific
Sailor of the Year is a time-honored tradition introduced in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet. This annual competition is held to recognize the superior performance of individual Sailors who best exemplify the ideals of professional Sailors throughout the fleet.
The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.
For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/.
| Date Taken: | 04.16.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.17.2026 15:13 |
| Story ID: | 562942 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 727 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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