Bonhomme Richard Sailor Named PHIBRON 1 Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year

5 Feb 2020

Commander, Amphibious Squadron One (PHIBRON 1) announced Lt. j.g. Luisandrea Diaz as the winner of the 2019 Amphibious Squadron 1 Junior Officer Award For Excellence in Shiphandling, January 23.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Diaz is assigned to the amphibious assault ship
USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), which is part of Amphibious Squadron 1.

“I have a great team training me,” Diaz said. “I’ve had four amazing captains, and my
navigator and assistant navigator pass their experience to me. I really struggled with
ship-handling when I first started so this has been a very satisfying experience that I
couldn’t have achieved on my own.”

PHIBRON 1’s winner was announced via Navy message. “Lt. j.g. Diaz performed exceptionally well,” according to the message by Capt. John J. Barnett, commodore, PHIBRON 1. “She performed flawless pier work, leading her to be our selected winner. Special thanks to the staff at Navigation Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST) for their assistance.”

Diaz is next scheduled to compete for the Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific
Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year in April at NSST San Diego.

Bonhomme Richard is in its homeport of San Diego.

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