Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) announced Kevin Zarth and Jack Espina as 2016 Senior Staff and Junior Staff Civilians of the Year at command headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jan 13.

"I wasn't even expecting this recognition, so I was very surprised," said Espina, who was awarded the Junior Staff Civilian of the Year.

He serves in the NECC materiel department (Code N43) as the Transportation and Fleet manager at NECC headquarters and Garrison Support Vehicle Fleet manager for all NECC/NECC Pacific Units. Espina also serves as the Civil Engineer Support Equipment disposition manager.

"It means so much because I didn't know that the work I was doing made such an impact on supporting the mission," said Espina, who added many of his roles and responsibilities may not always be in the spotlight, but he is appreciative and thrilled to know his work contributes to the NECC mission.

Nancy Harned, NECC's executive director, applauded both Espina and Zarth for their hard work, initiative, and dedication to the expeditionary force.

When speaking of Espina's contribution to NECC in 2016, she added he performed his duties at a distinguished level far above his pay grade.

"As a key member of the N43 Table of Allowance review team, he guided the team in developing numerous actionable items for enhancing material distribution across the force," said Harned.

Zarth is a member of the NECC warfare programs & readiness department (Code N8). Similar to Espina, Zarth, recognized as the Senior Staff Civilian of the Year, is the program manager for NECC Readiness and Cost Reporting Program, Navy Mission Essential Task Lists, and manager of the NECE Capability Costing Model, reflected on the talent and teamwork he has seen while assigned to NECC.

"NECC is full of a great people," said Zarth, who has worked at NECC for the past 11 years emphasized the importance of the type command. "I believe that what we do as a TYCOM has and continues to create a positive impact on our warfighters and provides greater visibility across the Navy and DoD."

Harned also emphasized the dedication Zarth brings to NECC throughout the past year.

"In 2016, he performed these duties at a distinguished level and achieved significant accomplishments," added Harned. "His innovative leadership and technical expertise, combined with his unsurpassed energy sets a stellar example of professionalism and assignment execution."

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

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