Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk announced its Sailor of the Year, Senior and Junior Sailors of the Year and Bluejacket of the Year October 23.

According to NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Commanding Officer Capt. Jim Lowther, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Thomas Allen is the Senior Sailor of the Year, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Shipman is the Sailor of the Year, the Junior Sailor of the year is Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Nicole Junod, and Avaition Boatswain's Mate (Fuel Handler) Airman Jarrod Smith is the Bluejacket of the Year.

"I am elated, completely humbled, and honored," said Junod, who works as the postal finance officer at Regional Navy Mail Center Norfolk. "This never would have been possible without the help and support from the command; my leadership, peers, and junior Sailors. I am so very thankful."

Shipman, who is the logistics support representative for USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and all submarines stationed in Norfolk, said he attributes this award to the leadership of his chain of command, along with his willingness to be flexible in meeting customer needs.

"Be reliable, take pride in your work and be humble," he added.

Smith, who recently transferred from NAVSUP FLC Norfolk where he served as a fuel dispatcher and mobile refueler at Naval Air Station Oceana, says he is excited about receiving this award.

"I know this is a great stepping stone for me to further more opportunities in my naval career," he added.

He offered advice for junior Sailors who are looking to succeed. He said they should take advantage of opportunities around the command such as volunteering and collateral duties and use the time on shore duty to explore educational opportunities.

Allen, who works in Integrated Logistics Support, also had advice for junior Sailors looking to succeed.

"Be where you are supposed to be, at the time you are supposed to be there, and in proper uniform," he said. "As you climb the ladder to success, do so with one arm. Use the other arm to pull up others with you."

The four Sailors of the Year will now compete with Sailors from other NAVSUP fleet logistics centers in the Global Logistics Support (GLS) Sailors of the Year contests.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,500 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more NAVSUP GLS news visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news.

A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP GLS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.


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