BREMERTON – Four junior officers from the Kitsap area were honored by the Kitsap Chapter of Military Officers Association of America on May 15 continuing an almost 40-year tradition.
In conjunction with the Bremerton Armed Forces Festival, Lt. Jeffery Joyce, fleet liaison officer of Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport; Lt. Matthew Lovick, assistant navigator on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74); Lt. Jim Mosimann, USS Nimitz (CVN 64) legal department division officer; and Lt. David Wheeler, Naval Hospital Bremerton human resources and operational readiness department head received the annual MOAA award for outstanding professionalism and service to both the Navy and community.
“These individuals are all very well deserving of this award. They are four of our area’s finest junior officers, all with very bright futures,” said Capt. Tom Zwolfer, commanding officer, Naval Base Kitsap.
“We appreciate MOAA’s ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the Navy’s stellar junior officers.”
Joyce was recognized for his superior oversight of a $22 million contract and was described as “easily among the top 10 percent of lieutenants with whom I have served in 34 years of naval service,” according to Cmdr. Dustin Demorest, chief staff officer, NUWC Keyport, who nominated Joyce for the honor.
Lovick, a North Carolina native, was described in his nomination package as “an exceptional junior officer, team builder and mentor.” Lovick simultaneously manages a watchbill of over 1,800 personnel while also ensuring training and certification of the navigation department onboard USS John C. Stennis.
Mosimann was recognized for being a “trusted and versatile legal advisor” while onboard USS Nimitz. He tirelessly puts others before himself by focusing on mentoring and helping to qualify his junior sailors. He also holds several collateral duties such as Officer in Charge of the Nimitz Burial-at-Sea Honor Guard and wardroom secretary.
Wheeler, with Naval Hospital Bremerton, oversees a department of 26 personnel who provide administrative and manpower support for 1,440 staff. His attention to detail has led to completing over 165 high-level tasks with zero deficiencies.
The four officers were awarded plaques and certificates by the MOAA during a luncheon at the Elks Club. Rear Adm. David Kriete, Commanding Officer, Submarine Group 9, served as guest speaker to approximately 75 guests in attendance.
