Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) announced its 2017 Sailor of the year Feb. 2.

Logistics Specialist (LS) 1st Class Thomas E. Allen II of the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk is being recognized for how he revolutionized the methodology by which NAVSUP FLC Norfolk supports fleet customers.

"Demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and keen technical expertise, LS1 Allen expertly led 20 Sailors during Integrated Logistics Overhauls (ILOs) for seven Atlantic Fleet ships," said NAVSUP Commander Rear Adm. Jonathan A. Yuen. "In addition, he led a team of 63 Sailors and six civilians to on-load 12,000 line items onboard USS Arlington (LPD 24), resulting in a 98.9 percent inventory validity, exceeding Type Commander goals."

Embodying the NAVSUP vision to be the Navy's trusted provider of supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter, his hands-on leadership was beneficial in the offload and inventory of more than 12,000 line items valued at over $16 million for USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). Allen also flawlessly managed tech manual revisions and assembly for seven surface ships with zero discrepancies. In addition, he spearheaded the implementation of the Quality Assurance program at ILOs. Firmly establishing himself as a proficient quality assurance supervisor, his efforts resulted in saving $750,000 in carcass charges and surveys for USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66).

"Regardless of operational tempo and mission requirements, LS1 Allen always made time for his Sailors and embodied the 'mission first, Sailor's always' maxim. He effectively created a workplace environment that values diversity and creativity, promotes trust and open communication, and stimulates personal and professional growth," said NAVSUP Command Master Chief Petty Officer Thaddeus T. Wright.

Petty Officer Allen, a native of Athens, Tennessee, enlisted in the Navy as an Aviation Storekeeper (AK) in 1997. After completing AK 'A' School, he reported to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in Norfolk, Virginia. Following sea duty, he reported to Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress in Chesapeake, Virginia. In 2005, he reported to the VFA-131 Wildcats from Naval Air Station Oceana. During his tour, he made two deployments aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). In 2009, he reported to Aviation Support Detachment, Norfolk as the Command Career Counselor, shortly after which he was promoted to First Class Petty Officer. In 2012, he reported aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), where he served as Retrograde Asset Management Leading Petty Officer, the Supply Response Section Leading Petty Officer, and the Safety Department Leading Petty Officer. In 2015, he reported to NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, where he served as the Code 500 Department Leading Petty Officer, the Assistant Training Officer, and General Military Training Coordinator.

"Our enlisted Sailors, serving in positions throughout the NAVSUP enterprise, provide vital support to our Navy, nation and allies. LS1 Allen exemplifies this effort," said Yuen. "Please join me in congratulating LS1 Allen for his selection, and for a job well done! Bravo Zulu."

NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and Joint warfighter. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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