Naval Submarine School (NSS) announced its 2017 Instructors of the Year (IOY) and the Sailors and Instructors of the 4th Quarter during an award ceremony Oct. 17.

"These selections epitomize the dedication and professionalism of instructors we have here at the Center of Submarine Force Training Excellence," said Capt. Aaron Thieme, NSS commanding officer. "I have every confidence they will continue to provide our Sailors with the needed and necessary training for the world's finest submarine force."

Thieme said the selection boards for the IOY's were especially competitive this year because of the large number of highly-qualified candidates under consideration.

NSS 2017 Instructors of the Year:

Officer
Lt. Zachary Prefontaine

Senior Enlisted
Senior Chief Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation Michael Corder

Mid-Grade Enlisted
Navy Diver 1st Class Matthew Greiner

Junior Enlisted
Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Erich Simpson

All four will represent NSS and compete among the Submarine Learning Center training sites for the opportunity to be named Naval Education and Training Command 2017 Instructor of the Year.

The following were selected for 4th quarter Sailors of the Quarter (SOQ) and Instructors of the Quarter (IOQ):
Junior SOQ
Fire Technician 2nd Class Allen McLean, Jr.

Senior SOQ
Sonar Technician 1st Class Eric Chapman

Junior IOQ
Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Ty Menendez

Senior IOQ
Sonar Technician 1st Class Daniel Scarlatella

NSS trains officers and enlisted Sailors in the basic knowledge and skills upon which operational submarine commands, (in the Atlantic and Pacific), build competence and proficiency in operating and maintaining submarines and all their systems.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.