Fire Controlman 1st Class Stephen Neese, a U.S. Navy Sailor in the Reserve Force, was honored for his above-and-beyond contributions to the surface force by receiving the Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) Reserve Impact Award June 30.

Through his own personal initiative, he applied his civilian expertise as a software engineer to provide onboard direct support for the Navy Information Application Product Suite (NIAPS) to the guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Cole (DDG 67), the amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24), and the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51). Neese was able to identify NIAPS backup issues, which he resolved with Axway client openings, and expired certificate issues for the seven waterfront afloat commands.

"Navy Reserve Component Sailors' civilian occupations span the full spectrum of professional fields and their partnerships with industry and academia create a powerful force multiplier," said Cmdr. Todd Shively, executive assistant to the deputy commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. "Additionally, Navy Reserve Component Sailors are the 'Face of the Navy' in their local communities, where their key relationships leverage the power of trust, honesty, and integrity with the American people. As such, SURFLANT's goal is to leverage Navy Reserve Component Sailors' civilian skills, and relationships within their respective industries, to further enhance contributions to the Fleet."

Neese's service and contribution to SURFLANT commands is a shining example of the value CNSL Reserve Sailors bring to the Active Component. This type of outstanding contribution strengthens the waterfront and validates the demand signal for additional reserve support, further strengthening warfighting readiness and lethality.

"My actions are born out of love for God, Country, and the Navy," said Neese when asked about his selection for the award. "When that is coupled with recognition, I feel honored and blessed in addition to my sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Still, I do not take credit alone, but every person that has helped shaped me into who I am today share in my accomplishments."

Beyond his performance already noted Neese continues to be a member of the Maintenance Execution Team and oversees the professional development of five Sailors including a fellow Petty Officer 1st Class. With his oversight, the unit achieved 100% completion of all required training before deadlines.



For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.