The USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport 2013 Sailors of the Year (SOYs) were recognized by the Navy League of the United States (NLUS) Bremerton/Olympic Peninsula Council July 8.
Each awardee was presented a soaring eagle statuette engraved with their names by Council Vice President for Outreach Erin Sorensen. Senior Navy leaders representing the two commands were present to honor their stand-out sailors for their hard work and individual efforts. Navy Captain David Kohnke, Commanding Officer, NUWC Division Keyport, was also the luncheon guest speaker.
The NUWC Division Keyport SOY is Yeoman First Class (Surface Warfare) Marcus Perkins. According to his citation, Perkins reinvigorated NUWC Division Keyport’s career development program by aggressively managing all career development boards, perform-to-serve quotas, and re-enlistments, resulting in 100 percent command retention. During a recent Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) Federal Organizational Climate Survey (FEOCS), his keen insight and communication skills contributed immensely to unit cohesion of over 1,500 military and civilian personnel. Additionally, he implemented a highly effective check-in and indoctrination process that was adopted by two other detachments.
The USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) SOY was Electronics Technician First Class (Submarines) Jonathan Panciera from Columbia, MD. According to his citation, his solid work ethic, consistent “can-do” attitude, and relentless pursuit of excellence directly brought-about his selection as SEAWOLF’s 2013 SOY. He was also cited as one the most technically competent and driven sailors onboard, as well as displaying dynamic leadership, technical expertise, and close supervision of departmental personnel. Panciera was credited with significant improvements in administration record keeping, operational proficiency and overall performance.
the SOY program to recognize superior performance of petty officers with emphasis on outstanding achievements, exemplary personal conduct and military bearing, and demonstrated initiative in performance. The recognition program starts at the unit level (ship, shore command, aviation squadron, etc.). Each winner then competes at the next higher organizational level until one Navy-wide SOY is selected for each of four areas: Pacific Fleet, Atlantic Fleet, Reserve Force, and Shore Support Commands.
Founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt, the NLUS is a civilian organization supporting the US Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and U.S.-Flagged Merchant Marine. It is a worldwide organization with 46,000 members in more than 250 councils, including more than 700 corporate and community affiliate members.
Photo Caption: 2013 Sailors of the Year (SOYs) from USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport were recognized by the Navy League of the United States Bremerton/Olympic Peninsula Council during a July 8th luncheon. Assembled left to right: Captain David Kohnke, Commanding Officer, NUWC Division Keyport; YN1(SW) Marcus Perkins, NUWC Division Keyport SOY; ET1(SS) Jonathan Panciera, USS SEAWOLF SOY; HMCS(SS) Dennis Custodio, representing USS SEAWOLF; and Council Vice President for Outreach, Erin Sorensen.
