Sailors of the Year

The United States Navy’s 2007 Sailors of the Year are:

Pacific Fleet                  Fleet Forces Command

Shore                            Navy Reserve

The Sailors of the Year pose with their leadership after the Navy Memorial ceremony that honored their achievement on July 19. Pictured are: (Left) MCPON Joe Campa; CPO Randy Leppell; CPO Marc Stewart; CPO Todd Brooks; CPO David Hansen; and VCNO Adm. Pat Walsh (Right).

Honor. Courage. Commitment. These core values guide the efforts of every Sailor who serves in the United States Navy. Those who best exemplify these values are honored as the Navy’s Sailors of the Year.

The Navy started a program in 1972 to recognize the outstanding Sailors of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.  In 1973, the program was expanded to include the Shore Sailors, followed in 1982 by Navy enlisted reservists.  All Sailors in pay grades E-4 through E-6 are eligible to participate.

Each year, every ship, station, and command around the world chooses its Sailor of Year based on leadership, professionalism, dedication, and superior performance.  These selectees compete against recipients from other commands at higher and higher echelons until the Navy’s four finest are chosen.

The Washington, D.C., Recognition Week honors the CNO Shore, Pacific Fleet, Atlantic Fleet and Reserve Sailors of the Year.

During Recognition Week, the Sailors of the Year are promoted to Chief Petty Officer at a ceremony conducted by the Chief of Naval Operations and presented the Navy Commendation Medal.

In addition, the Sailors of the Year are recognized by various military and civilian dignitaries through office calls and social functions hosted by military support organizations.

This year, the Navy Memorial honored the 2007 Sailors in a ceremony on July 19.