Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command, announced the 2018 USFF Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during an announcement breakfast at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, March 7.

Adm. Christopher W. Grady named Builder 1st Class Luke G. Johnson, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, as the 2018 Sea Sailor of the Year and Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Steffi M. Gutierrezlara, of Commander, Naval Surface Squadron 14, as the Shore Sailor of the Year.

"It is an indisputable fact that ours is the greatest Navy the world has ever seen, because of the world-class enlisted leaders that form our Navy’s backbone,” said Grady. "All of the Sailor of the Year candidates represent the best the United States Navy has to offer."

During the ceremony, which was hosted by the Hampton Roads Navy League, all 12 of the SOY finalists were recognized for their hard work and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.  

Johnson and Gutierrezlara were called to center stage by Grady to be recognized.

“What an honorable experience this has been,” expressed Johnson. “I am truly humbled to be here. To my fellow finalists, we have forged such amazing relationships, and to my Sailors — I want to say thank you — as you are the reason for my success. They are amazing and their success makes me so proud.”

Gutierrezlara echoed those feelings.

“My Sailors are the reason I am here, and I’m humbled to be representing such a unique group of individuals,” said Gutierrezlara. “I cannot be more honored to be among you all, we are the Navy’s future.“

In the week leading up to the announcement, the nominees participated in interview boards, package reviews, and leadership courses at military installations across the Hampton Roads area. The candidates also participated in team-building exercises and toured local historical landmarks, such as the decommissioned battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64) in Norfolk.

“I can tell you that each and every one of these candidates is more than deserving to be named our Sailors of the Year,” stated Chief Naval Air Crewman Operator John Herrman, the 2017 USFF Fleet Sea SOY and this year’s program coordinator. “The real winners today are the countless Sailors that will benefit from the leadership and guidance of these future chief petty officers.”

Johnson will travel to Washington, D.C., and be meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Gutierrezlara will advance as the USFF finalist for the CNO Shore Sailor of the Year.

The Sailor of the Year program was established in 1972 by CNO Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet to recognize high-performing E-4 through E-6 Sailors across the fleet. The intent of the competition is to recognize individual Sailors who best represent the ideals of the professional Sailor and the Navy. Initially only Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors on sea duty were recognized. Within 10 years, however, the SOY program was expanded to include shore duty and Navy Reserve Sailors.

Finalists for Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year:

Builder 1st Class Luke G. Johnson – Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1

Cryptologic Technician (Interpretative) 1st Class Shastyn V. Nelson – Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Georgia

Naval Air Crewman (Operator) 1st Class Christopher J. Popovic – Patrol Squadron (VP) 5

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Cody M. Stafford – 26th MEU Battalion Landing Team

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class ReynaldoJulius B. Eugenio – USS Bataan (LHD 5)

Machinist Mate (Auxiliary) 1st Class Stephen A. Fuhr – USS San Juan (SSN 751)    

Finalists for Fleet Shore Sailor of the Year:

Yeoman 1st Class Kelly G. Pyron – U.S. Fleet Forces Command

Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Steffi M. Gutierrezlara – Commander, Naval Surface Squadron 14

Damage Controlman 1st Class Monique L. Carswell – Naval Submarine Support Facility New London

Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Michael S. Reilly – Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Randy L. Fuhrman – Costal Riverine Group (CRG) 2

Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class Leigh A. Windham – Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Professional Development Center

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