Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Kenney announced the selection of Petty Officer First Class Alex Srimarit as Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East Fiscal Year 2017 Sailor of the Year Oct. 16.

Petty Officer Second Class Aaron Trotter and Petty Officer Second Class Daniel Amparano Jr. were selected as FY17 Junior and Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year, respectively.

"The hard work and dedication these leaders have displayed throughout the year is impressive and they truly represent the very best from a group of dedicated Sailors throughout the Far East," said Kenney.

Electrician's Mate First Class Srimarit is the leading petty officer for Public Works Department Yokosuka, Japan, Self-Help Seabees. In FY17, he led 12 Seabees in safely completing 28 quality of life and facility improvement construction projects on board Fleet Activities Yokosuka. These projects required more than 750 man-days and saved the U.S. Navy $430,000 in labor costs.

"I feel very humbled for such an honor to be named as NAVFAC Far East Sailor of the Year," said Srimarit. "It is a great achievement for me. I could not have gone this far without a great mentorship from my leaders, outstanding teamwork from my peers and all the hard work and dedication from my subordinates. The chain of command has helped me grow as a leader. It's been my pleasure serving beside everyone in this great command."

Last year, Srimarit organized a community relations project that resulted in 180 volunteer hours cleaning an overpass near FLEACT Yokosuka. He also volunteered to educate local middle school students and Boy Scouts about basic concepts of electrical theory.

"Petty Officer Srimarit is an inspirational leader and extremely talented professional," said Senior Chief Derrick Stephens, NAVFAC Far East senior enlisted advisor. "He excels at accomplishing the most demanding assignments and has proven to be a true leader among his peers and subordinates."

Construction Electrician Second Class Trotter is responsible for managing ten host-nation employees and four Seabees responsible for maintenance and repair of facilities supporting Naval Air Facilities Misawa, Japan, Commander, Task Force 72 and deployed Naval Air Forces.

"It is such an honor to be selected as Junior Sailor of the Year for NAVFAC Far East," said Trotter. "I give all of the credit my command that has been there for me since my first day in Misawa, Japan. I am truly blessed to be able to work with great people doing a job that I am passionate about."

Trotter is also passionate about physical fitness. As command fitness leader, his programs have increased the performance level of personnel. He leads by example, consistently scoring outstanding in his fitness assessments. Trotter supports local youth sports and youth mentoring. Last year, he volunteered more than 30 hours as a youth basketball coach. He also taught electrical-circuit principles and math to local fourth-grade students.

Builder Second Class Amparano was responsible for managing 28 construction project sites in FY17. He led 12 Seabees in completing all projects with a mishap-free safety record.

"I am grateful to have this command nominate me, let alone acknowledge me as their Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year," said Amparano. "If it wasn't for the work ethic and professionalism that my leadership instilled in me, and the support of my peers, I wouldn't be where I am today. I would like to thank my family for their love and support they have given me every day even while stationed overseas, I am truly blessed."

Amparano supported his team in constructing 17 Flag Boxes honor sailors who died on board the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain. The four-man team volunteered 28 off-duty hours in a three-day window to complete the boxes in time for the USS Fitzgerald memorial ceremony and 36 off duty hours to complete the boxes for the USS John S. McCain memorial ceremony.

"His heartfelt concern and respect to honor our tragically lost shipmates and their families has exemplified our great Navy's pride and tradition," said Stephens.

The NAVFAC Far East Sailor of the Year will be considered for NAVFAC Pacific Sailor of the Year, to be selected in December.


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