Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Announces its 2010 Junior Sailor of the Year

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- A religious program specialist (RP) was named the fiscal year 2010 Junior Sailor of the Year for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OpNav) during a ceremony, Jan. 26.

Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Russell N. Dykman was selected the winner from among six other OpNav E-4 and E-5 finalists. The South African-born Dykman is assigned to the staff of the Navy Chief of Chaplains office located aboard the Navy Annex in Arlington, Va., and has served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan as an RP.

Although he excels at his duties as an RP, Dykman began his eight-year Navy career with another rating in mind.

"When I was ten, I decided I wanted to join the Navy," he said. "But because I was not a U.S. citizen, I wasn't able to join the Navy SEALs, which was my plan."

Dykman then chose to become an RP.

"I grew up in a Christian household, so becoming an RP was a natural transition," he said. "And I get great satisfaction from being part of the religious ministry team of chaplains and RPs, which fulfills the religious needs of Sailors and Marines, especially in a combat environment."

Capt. Dale White, a Navy chaplain, oversees much of Dykman's work.

"Petty Officer Dykman exemplifies the highest standards of professional naval chaplaincy," said White. "In every chaplain's career, they encounter certain religious ministry professionals - chaplains and RPs - who stand out. These are individuals of high caliber, who possess attention to detail, vision, and professional pride leading to vocational excellence. RP2 Dykman is one who will stand out for me as one of those professionals. His award is well deserved."

During his off-duty time, Dykman is pursuing a college degree in criminal justice.

"I'd like to be a state trooper, but more than likely I'll retire from the Navy and then pursue a criminal justice career," he said.

For now though, Dykman said he stays plenty busy with his office assignments and with his natural role of providing exemplary leadership by example.

For more news from Chaplain Corps, visit, http://www.navy.mil/local/crb/.