Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) announced Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (AG1) Pedro Henry, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Professional Development Center (NMOPDC), as Shore Sailor of the Year, and AG1 Brandon Cruz, Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC), as Junior Shore Sailor of the Year.

"AG1 Henry and AG1 Cruz represent a deep pool of talent we have at Naval Oceanography," said Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Rear Adm. John Okon. "Their selection as NAVIFOR Shore Sailors of the Year is a testament to the commitment they give each day in living our mission, Navy ethos and Sailors Creed. The entire enterprise is proud of them and proud to serve with them."

At NMOPDC in Gulfport, Mississippi, AG1 Henry is the leading petty officer and only meteorology and oceanography instructor in the fleet serving as a course manager. He delivered more than 400 hours of college-level curriculum to 52 junior officers. In the community, he spent hundreds of hours mentoring more than 50 11- and 12-year olds in football, baseball and basketball.

"The breadth and scope of AG1 Henry's influence in delivering fleet readiness is vast, considering the number of Sailors he has personally trained in the past year. He is an outstanding role model in his command and community," said NMOPDC Commanding Officer Cmdr. Christi Montgomery.

At NOMWC at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, AG1 Brandon Cruz serves as the maintenance and training leading petty officer responsible for the maintenance repair cycle, training and equipping of 72 Sailors across four worldwide deployable platoons and also acted as the supply manager during manning gaps. During fiscal year 2017, he provided support for more than 90 local on-water operations and five major exercises.

Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kate Hermsdorfer said, "AG1 Cruz lives up to his limitless potential and unbounded drive that will take him as far as he wishes to go. He fully personifies the Navy Core Values that every Sailor, junior and senior, should emulate."

AG1 Henry and AG1 Cruz are now eligible for selection as Fleet Forces Sailor of the Year, which will be announced at the end of the month.

Naval Oceanography directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist fleet and joint commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

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