Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force recognized 27 civilian employers from across the nation for their exceptional support of Navy Reserve Sailors during the annual Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) September 21, 2022.

The event recognized employers who provide outstanding support to Navy Reserve Sailors who work for their organizations in a civilian capacity. The all-day event included tours of Navy ships, aircraft and facilities and concluded with a dinner reception with Mustin, as well as other flag officers and representatives from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

“We honor and recognize the many employers who support our Citizen Sailors, who are often called upon to leave their families and civilian jobs on short notice,” Mustin said, during the opening ceremonies at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, before inviting guests to take part in several hands-on events provided by Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2.”

Visiting executives from various employer organizations had the opportunity to experience virtual small-arms combat simulators, tour static displays of Navy patrol craft, and meet special-warfare operators from SEAL Team 18. After lunch, they toured destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), followed by a walking tour of Navy Reserve aircraft at Chambers Field, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-5N Tiger Phantom, E2-C Hawkeye, C-130 Hercules and CH-53 Sea Stallion. NERE 2022 concluded with an evening reception at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel.

NERE 2022 was an opportunity for employers to get better acquainted with the military commitments of their employees who are members of the Navy Reserve, providing a deeper understanding of the importance of employer support to Navy warfighting readiness.

“You really start to realize what people sacrifice to do this job,” said Carrie Stanbridge, district maintenance engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation, whose Navy Reserve employee recently returned from an overseas deployment. “So it really means something, and between the employer and the employee, it's a huge exercise in teamwork.”

The event also provided Navy Reserve Sailors an opportunity to thank their employers for supporting them and their families before, during and after mobilizations or deployments. 

“My boss has to step in and do a lot while I’m gone,” said Commander Andy Kirby,  operations officer for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Contingency Engineering Unit (NAVFAC CEU). “They say folks in the military take a lot on when they deploy–and we do–but the folks who stay behind are taking on a lot as well. I think it’s really great that my boss is willing to step up and take on the extra load to support me and my family while I’m away.” 

Mustin, whose Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions 2022 reinforced the urgency of maintaining Navy Reserve Sailor warfighting readiness in a changing global security environment, thanked each employer individually and encouraged them to continue to support their warfighters.

“I can assure you, the phenomenal support you provide is consequential and appreciated,” Mustin said. 

For more information on how Navy Selected Reserve Sailors can recognize their civilian employers, visit the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) webpage. ESGR is a DoD program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities. Navy Selected Reserve Sailors can also nominate their civilian employers for a Patriot award at: https://www.esgr.mil/