Seaman Recruit Shaun TullochQueensboroug, Division 055, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC), earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA), Jan. 12.

"I decided to join the Navy for the opportunity for schooling, to meet new people, experience new cultures around the world, and to help those in need and to be a part of something greater than myself," TullochQueensboroug said. "The Navy is a branch that lives up to its core values - honor, courage and commitment."

TullochQueensboroug, 19, from Orlando, Florida, was born in Tampa, Florida, and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He graduated from Cornwall College High School in Montego Bay, where he studied engineering and architectural drawing, before returning to the United States in 2017.

TullochQueensboroug was assigned the rate of air traffic controller.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the number one recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award placed TullochQueensboroug at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. He was also awarded a flag letter of commendation.

TullochQueensboroug said he was highly motivated to get his Navy career off to a rousing start.

"From day one, I came with a mindset that the sky is the limit," he said. "So anything in my way, I'll tackle it with as much perfection, motivation and aim to achieve greatness at all times."

As the MEA awardee, TullochQueensboroug said he understands that he faces higher expectations as he moves on to the next step of his Navy career.

"Winning the MEA means a lot," he said. "Winning this proves I'm on the right track; the track for greatness. It implants a brighter future for my Navy career and my life ahead. I was overwhelmed when I found out I won. You can say I slept great that night."

TullochQueensboroug credited his recruit division commanders (RDC), Chief Machinist's Mate Jose Rivera, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Juan Robledo and Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Kevin Johnson.

"My RDCs transformed me into the Sailor I am today. They pushed me to the limits and further, and that contributes to the winning of the MEA,"
TullochQueensboroug said. "I also thank my parents for raising me how they did, allowing me to understand from a young age the responsibilities of being a successful young adult and how to make positive goals in which I'd have to follow to achieve greatness."

After graduation, TullochQueensboroug will attend Air Traffic Controller "A" school in Pensacola, Florida. Air Traffic Controllers play a key role in the effective use of naval airpower throughout the world in operational and training environments. They also control the movement of aircraft and vehicles on airfield taxiways, and issue flight instructions to pilots by radio.

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control, along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. About 30,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.