Naval Air Station Patuxent River Sailor Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) 3rd Class Taquonna Little was recognized as the Naval District Washington Bluejacket of the Year (BJOY) for 2105 during an awards ceremony at NAS Patuxent River, March 11.

Presenting her with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and regional BJOY plaque was Rear Adm. Yancy B. Lindsey, Commandant, Naval District Washington. During the ceremony Lindsey congratulated Little on her hard work and dedication to her team and the Navy leading up to the award.

Little's achievements over the year helped her stand out as BJOY candidate. She assisted in the overhaul of eight emergency arresting gear engines which saved the Navy over $75,000 in contractual repair costs, and her daily efforts contributed to NAS Patuxent River receiving an overall grade of "outstanding" during the 2015 Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Airfield Inspection and Certification. Additionally, as a Port Operations oil spill first response team coxswain, she was responsible for the safe execution of twenty fuel barge off loads, moving 17.8 million gallons of fuel on to Pax River.

"Airman Little is an exceptional Sailor, and I am extremely proud to see her named as regional Blue Jacket of the Year," said Capt. Heidi Fleming, commanding officer of NAS Patuxent River. "I'm confident that her professionalism and enthusiasm will help her to continue to achieve great things in her Navy career."

After the ceremony, Little thanked her team and remarked on the great distinction it was to be named BJOY for the region.

"It's an honor," Little said. "I didn't expect to get it, but a lot of people believed in me, so I believed in myself. I'm so thankful, especially since everybody I was up against was really good."

As for her plans in the Navy, Little said she plans to aim high.

"Hopefully the Naval Academy is next for me," said Little, who recently applied to the academy. "I really want to be O1-E one of these days. If not, then I'll go for master chief."

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