McLane first announced Logistics Specialist 1st Class Dwanise Harris as the FY2020 SURFLANT Shore Sailor of the Year. Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ian Polage was then named the FY2020 SURFLANT Sea Sailor of the Year. McLane celebrated each finalist prior to announcing the selections.

“Each one of you has done tremendous work,” said McLane. “This year’s competition was extremely tough and I would be honored to sail with each and every one of you. Not only have you done your jobs and mentored your shipmates, but did it all during a global pandemic. It is clear to me that each of you rose to the occasion and excelled. I commend you for that and thank you for your dedication.”  

Polage, currently stationed on board the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), will be promoted to chief petty officer with the FY2022 selectees for his selection. Harris, currently stationed at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, will represent SURFLANT in the United States Fleet Forces Command Shore Sailor of the Year competition.  

“Our Sailor[s] of the Year represent more than 28,000 serving with SURFLANT ships and shore commands,” said Force Master Chief Kevin Goodrich. “They are the best that this force has to offer. All of you are true professionals.”  

Other finalists were:

• Sea Finalists

  • Yeoman 1st Class Anthony Bradley, USS Vella Gulf (CG 72)

  • Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 1st Class Kenesha Bryan, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

  • Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Casey Goodman, USS Squall (PC 7)

  • Electronics Technician 1st Class Robert Hering, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

  • Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 1st Class Amber Kraft, USS Mason (DDG 87)

  • Retail Services Specialist 1st Class Alberto Martinez, USS Ross (DDG 71)

  • Retail Services Specialist 1st Class Victor Nyarko, USS Gravely (DDG 107)

  • Personnel Specialist 1st Class 1 Hector Rodriguez, USS Oak Hill (LSD 51)

  • Retail Services Specialist 1st Class Efrain Santos, USS Farragut (DDG 99)

• Shore Finalists

  • Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Monique Brown, COMNAVSURFLANT

  • Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jennelle Fernandez, CNSS Fourteen

  • Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Sean Gehrold, CNSS Five

  • Information Systems Technician 1st Class Danielle Jobb, ATGLANT 

SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. The SURFLANT force is composed of 77 ships and 31 shore commands. For more SURFLANT news and photos, visit facebook.com/SURFLANT, https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/ , and Twitter - @surflant.