The guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) vibrates with activity as Sailors traverse the corridors and passageways. Disbursing office's Personnel Specialist 1st Class Silvia Soukchareun concentrates on handling the Navy Cash system and multiple itemized requests.

But Soukchareun isn't the only Sailor busy and engaged this morning. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Andrea Braasch from Gardena, California, updates records and checks on activities at sick call. Operations Specialist 3rd Class Alexendra Klosterman of Cincinnati documents the closest point of approach to contacts from the Combat Information Center.

They have different jobs with different responsibilities, yet they have one thing in common - they received the highest recognition aboard Stockdale in their respective ranks; Senior Sailor of the Year, Sailor of the Year and Junior Sailor of the Year.

Soukchareun, when not engaged in her shipboard duties, takes on the duty of ship's deputy Disbursing Officer, Sexual Assault Prevention Representative (SAPR) Victim Advocate, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) board member, Watch Bill Coordinator, Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) Member, and assistant Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPA). Outside the workplace, she volunteers with her child's school and community service events such as local food banks.

"I love what I do, and am very happy to have been selected as Senior Sailor of the Year," said Soukchareun. "I feel like I have to keep doing what I've been doing, but at a higher standard because there will be more people looking up to me now.

"I want to continue to set that example for all the junior Sailors and encourage them to pursue what they want to gain on a personal level."

Like Soukchareun, Braasch takes on multiple additional duties, sush as Stockdale's Morale, Wellness and Recreation (MWR) President, a flight deck and boat deck Corpsman and Navy Marine Core Relief Society representative. Also, she volunteers for the Laguna Niguel (California) Military Support Committee.

"Sailor of the Year was a huge accomplishment for me and extremely unexpected," said Braasch. "I actually had to do a double take when the Captain said that I had won."

Her shock reflects her humble award acknowledgement and those who have helped her throughout her career so far.

"I could not have gotten where I am today without the motivation, constructive criticism, and the honest, frank feedback from those around me. Hard work does pay off, so stick with what you're doing and make it count," she advises.

Klosterman, who leads all E-4 and below personnel in her division, helps Sailors get their surface warfare pins. She started giving training for chief petty officers, first and second class petty officers two cycles ago. So far, she has helped three divisional Sailors and three Chiefs achieve this milestone.

In addition, she serves as the Zone Inspection Discrepancy List Petty Officer, ensuring documentation and correction of space material discrepancies during weekly inspections.

"I work really hard in my division," said Klosterman. "I strive to be the best that I can be."

Soukchareun explained how Stockdale's support system played a pivotal role in her achievement, and that of her fellow Sailors.

"Without teamwork, you honestly won't feel like you can accomplish a lot, but if you have that support - the support from the people on the ship, your co-workers - it's easy," said Soukchareun.

"We have an amazing crew, so to be selected as one of the three top performers, I'm very happy for all of us."

For more news from USS Stockdale (DDG 106), visit www.navy.mil.