Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Whidbey Island was selected as a recipient of the fiscal year 2017 (FY17) Retention Excellence Award from U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

The award is given annually to commands which are effectively able to maintain outstanding retention and a marginal rate of attrition. To be eligible, commands must maintain a below five percent attrition rate for first term Sailors, sustain superior levels of retention for each reenlistment zone and achieve a number of benchmarks emphasizing career readiness standards.

"This award is a product of dedication. Without the continued commitment and initiative of our Career Development Team this would not be possible. Our divisional and departmental career counselors work hard every day and invest in their Sailors and that's what makes an award like this possible," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Amanda Respicio, NIOC Whidbey Island command career counselor. "We strive everyday as a command, from the top down to make sure we are giving our Sailors the best opportunities to succeed in their goals and in their future. It is a combination of mentorship, active communication, and a genuine passion for our Sailors and the Navy. I am fortunate to work with Leadership and Sailors who make these ideals a reality."

NIOC Whidbey Island has received the award for the last three fiscal years. The command leadership and the Career Development Team play an integral role in the continued success, despite the command's career counselors not being officially rated as Navy Career Counselors.

"In an era where less than one percent of Americans serve in the military, it is important to recognize those who answer the call, and then volunteer to do it again. I'm continually impressed by their commitment and I couldn't be more proud of them," said Cmdr. Tim McGeehan, NIOC Whidbey commanding officer.

NIOC Whidbey Island's excellence in military retention directly supports the Navy's Sailor 2025 program by maintaining a superior standard for retention of Sailors and experienced leaders thus improving U.S. Navy's warfighting capacity and readiness.

NIOC Whidbey Island executes analysis, certification, planning, and direct support augmentation to naval air and surface forces engaged in operations worldwide as a subordinate to U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F).

Since its establishment, FCC/C10F has grown into an operational force composed of more than 15,000 Active and Reserve Sailors and civilians organized into 29 active commands, 40 Cyber Mission Force units, and 29 reserve commands around the globe. FCC serves as the Navy component command to U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Cyber Command, and the Navy's Service Cryptologic Component commander under the National Security Agency/Central Security Service. C10F, the operational arm of FCC, executes its mission through a task force structure similar to other warfare commanders. In this role, C10F provides support of Navy and joint missions in cyber/networks, cryptologic/signals intelligence and space.

For more news and information from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCC/C10F/ or follow us on Twitter @USFLEETCYBERCOM.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.