Commander Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet’s top Sailors reaped the benefits of their hard work and top-notch performance during the 2002 Sailor-of-the-Year recognition week in Norfolk from 9 to 15 March. Sailors from Italy, England, Connecticut, Georgia, and Virginia gathered to celebrate their selection as the Sailors and Junior Sailors of the Year (SOY) at their respective commands.

“This week is dedicated to recognizing our outstanding performers,” said Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate Michael A. Chytka, the event coordinator. “Yes, there are boards to determine who’ll be our Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year, but there’s a lot more to it than that, and it’s by design. The bottom line is that whether or not these candidates are selected as the type commander’s Sailors of the Year, they are going to enjoy a week they will never forget. They earned it.”

The SOYs were put up in the Holiday Inn Select in Norfolk and enjoyed celebratory dinners throughout the week at local hot spots, sponsored by such organizations as the Naval Submarine League, Pioneer Services, and the King’s Dominion amusement park.

By the end of the week, the reality of competing for the top spots began to emerge – at least in the minds of the Sailors. “I had a blast all week, but I couldn’t help but think about the board and who was going to win, at least a little bit,” Said Storekeeper 1st Class Marlon Wilkins with a bit of a laugh. Wilkins represented the COMSUBLANT Staff.

The last day of recognition week featured a reception to announce final selections for the SUBLANT Shore Service Sailor of the Year, SUBLANT Sea Service Sailor of the Year, and their junior counterparts.

Amid rising tension, SUBLANT Force Master Chief Don Kultti eventually announced the designation of Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Charles E. Barreras as Shore SOY; Signalman 1st Class Dorothy Averhart as Sea SOY; Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Hermionne Etienne as Junior Shore SOY; and Machinist Mate 2nd Class Andrew McCaslin as Junior Sea SOY.

An elated Barreras noted that his shipmates had helped him get to this point. “I would say my selection was mainly because I’ve always had great leadership and outstanding shipmates to work with me,” he said. He also observed that he was glad to see more junior personnel get the recognition SUBLANT offers. “One thing that makes me proud to be part of the SUBLANT team is how we also honor our junior Sailors,” he said. “We are the only ones to do that, and I believe it is a great way to show our appreciation for their hard work.”

Barreras represented Commander Submarine Group 10; Averhart, Commander Submarine Group 8; Etienne, Commander Under Sea Surveillance; and McCaslin, Commander Submarine Group 2.

Commander Submarine Force, U.S Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) announced its 2003 winners for Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony in February.

Out of eight nominees representing the Pacific region, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Nicholes H. Naquin, III, attached to USS Pasadena (SSN-752), was named Sea Service Sailor of the Year, while Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) George M. Laue, III, representing the West Pacific area and assigned to Commander Submarine Group 7, out of Yokosuka, Japan, was named Shore Sailor of the Year.

“All the SOYs from the several areas of responsibility (Western Pacific; San Diego, California; Bangor, Washington; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii), were outstanding, top-quality Sailors who made the selection process a very difficult one for our board,” said COMSUBPAC Force Master Chief Rick West. “All eight of these individuals are top-notch personnel who have already been through several levels of competition.

“The great thing is that there are thousands more who are just as good in our Submarine Force,” he continued. “These warriors are our future and, from what I can tell, our future is secure.”

MM1 Naquin, a 33-year-old native of Larose, Louisana, with 15 years of naval service under his belt, serves as the Auxiliary Division Leading Petty Officer onboard Pasadena. According to him, he is excited and honored to represent the Pacific Submarine Force in the overall SOY competition. “I really don’t believe I’m any better than anyone else, but I do believe that I wouldn’t be here if it were not for my leadership and the support of my crew,” he said. “They liked what they saw and put me up there. I want to do the best that I can everyday, especially now when the Navy needs our best from all of us,” he added.

When asked how Sailors can excel in today’s competitive Navy, Naquin said it is all about leadership. “You have to set the example and take care of the people who work for you and understand where they are coming from,” he said. “I believe the key is striving for perfection with consideration – which means to do the best you can with what you have consistently.”

Shore Sailor of the Year Laue agrees with Naquin when it comes to consideration. “I believe you should give your best to everyone, whether they’re an admiral or a seaman recruit,” said the 32-year-old native of Spokane, Washington. “We all have a part to play, a mission to perform. “It’s not just about the work,” he said. “It’s about the people. I am here because of the people I work for and who work for me. I wouldn’t be Sailor of the Year without my shipmates.”

Laue is very proud of his 12-plus years of naval service. He recalls how his dad made him join the Navy. He said he was living with his father as a “Navy Brat” in Yokosuka, Japan, and wanted to stay in Japan when his father retired from the service.

“My dad said, ‘No!’ because I was wild and undisciplined,” Laue recalled. “My dad knew that the Navy would be best for me and he was right. I am just as proud today as when I first put my uniform on,” he added. “These are dangerous times and I am glad to be here and do my part.”

Naquin agrees with Laue and has a message for every American, especially those serving on active duty. “What we have today, others died to secure for us,” he said. “No one else in the world has what we have in the way of freedom, and it is our honor and duty to protect it.”