A naval intelligence officer assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) was named 2016 Rear Adm. Thomas A. Brooks Intelligence Junior Officer of the Year for shore-based commands.

Lt. Aura Gaines earned the award, established in 1990 to promote high morale and professional excellence in the Naval Intelligence Community, for her efforts while serving as CNFK's deputy intelligence officer.

"It's an amazing feeling to be recognized," said Gaines, "but this is more a recognition of the entire intel department, leadership, and Sailors more than for me alone."

Throughout her tour at CNFK, Gaines worked daily with the Republic of Korea (ROK) navy's intelligence officers to strengthen combined intelligence gathering and information-sharing between both navies.

When asked about her contributions, Gaines said she felt any intelligence officer would have done similar work in her place.

Gaines added she never thought about an award, but instead focused each day on improving departmental processes and strengthening CNFK's intelligence contributions to the U.S. and ROK alliance.

"I don't think anybody should work with the intent of seeking an award," said Gaines. "If you do everything to the best of your abilities and strive be the best version of yourself, success will follow."

The Rear Adm. Thomas A. Brooks Intelligence Junior Officer of the Year award is named after Brooks, who served as the 54th Director of Naval Intelligence from July 1988 to August 1991.

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