U.S. 2nd Fleet Recognizes Sailors of the Year
21 February 2020
NORFOLK -- U.S. Second Fleet (C2F) Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year selections for fiscal year 2020 (FY-20) were announced during an awards presentation at C2F Headquarters in Norfolk, February 21.
Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, C2F commander, named Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW) Kyle L. Portney, assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two (CSG2), as the FY-20 Sea Sailor of the Year and Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW/EXW) Daniel E. Silva, assigned to C2F, as the FY-20 Shore Sailor of the Year.
“This is surreal, I didn’t expect it,” expressed Portney. “I am just happy to be able to represent Carrier Strike Group 2, our First Class mess and all of the other First Classes out there, I am just thankful for the opportunity.”
Silva echoed those feelings.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the first SOY since 2nd Fleet reestablished,” said Silva. “I am humbled and thankful, I did not expect this.“
Sailors of the Year are recommended by the Navy’s senior enlisted community to their commanding officers and commanders through intense and very thorough record reviews and in-person selection boards.
“Sailors of the Year embody all the best qualities we expect of Sailors,” said Command Master Chief Bill Smalts, C2F’s command master chief. “They represent the best and well-rounded traits of honor, courage and commitment. They are the brightest stars among us.”
During the ceremony, all six fleet SOY finalists were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Introduced in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet, the SOY program is designed to recognize superior performance of Sailors throughout the fleet from paygrade E-4 through E-6. The annual competition is held to recognize individual Sailors who best exemplify the ideals of professional Sailors and the Navy.
“The importance of the Sailor of the Year program is to select and recognize those Sailors around the fleet that are living their best lives as Sailor and citizens,” said Smalts. “The desire is to ensure that a close eye is kept on those exceptional Sailors to ensure they’re in positions to best contribute to the success of our great Navy.
Finalists for Fleet Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year:
Legalman 1st Class (AW) Dexter Robison Jr. – Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG 8)
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Sarah E. Lanning – Commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten (CSG 10)
Information System Technician 1st Class (IW/SW/AW) Jennifer D. Miller – Commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve (CSG 12)
Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Shaun M. Beale Sr. – Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG 2)
C2F exercises operational authorities over assigned ships, aircraft, and landing forces on the East Coast and the Atlantic.
For more information, contact C2F public affairs at ashley.hockycko@navy.mil.
For more news from U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit https://www.c2f.navy.mil/ and for more information visit http://www.facebook.com/US2ndFleet/ or http://twitter.com/US2ndFleet