Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard announced the 2015 Navy Shore Sailor of the Year during a ceremony held at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., March 30.

Howard announced Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jessica Wentlent of Naval Medical Center San Diego, as this year's winner.

Wentlent received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at the ceremony and will be meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer (CPO) later this year.

Joining Wentlent as finalists were Legalman 1st Class Stephani Pavoni, Cryptologic Technician 1st Class Stephen Comstock, Navy Diver 1st Class Kristoffer Ilagan, and Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Brian McGarrigle.

Each of the candidates received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from the VCNO during the ceremony.

"To the Sailor of the Year nominees, thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and leadership." said Howard. "[You] are part of a long history of superb men and women that have been honored by the Sailor of the Year program."

Wentlent said she is proud to serve alongside selfless servant leaders.

"They ask themselves, what am I doing to serve my people, what am I doing to complete the mission and what can I do to make my team better," said Wentlent. "And that is exactly what's standing in front of me today, and I am really honored to serve with all of you."

Congratulations to our nominees," said Howard. "The Sailors on this stage clearly understand the fundamentals of leadership and without a doubt have inspired many others along their journey. We are a better Navy because you chose to serve."

Adm. Elmo Zumwalt initiated the Sailor of the Year program in 1972, to recognize the outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors. The following year, the Shore Sailor of the Year program was introduced.

Each year, every Navy ship, station and command around the world chooses its Sailor of the Year based on leadership, professionalism dedication, and superior performance. These selectees compete against recipients from other commands, eventually competing at higher echelons until the Navy's four finest are chosen - only one is selected as the Navy Shore SOY.