Nine Sailors of the Year (SOYs) from Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) visited the office of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano Feb. 9 at the Pentagon.

Giordano congratulated the first class petty officers for their accomplishments and being selected as SOYs before offering them leadership advice.

"When I was a first class petty officer, I didn't think I'd become the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy," said Giordano. "I didn't even think I'd be a master chief, force or fleet master chief."

"But what I believe helped me get to where I am today-to be the man, father, husband and Sailor I am today, is my philosophy because I strived to do three things: be authentic in my dealings and being transparent in everything I do, be competent by cultivating a practice of lifelong learning, and be courageous by leading with conviction and being open to all points of view."

Throughout the week, SURFLANT Sailors will participate in boards, leadership events and luncheons in order to select a winner from both a sea and shore command. The winners will then move on to participate in U.S. Fleet Forces (USFFC) SOY competition.

The SOY program was established in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet. The purpose of the program is to recognize an individual Sailor who best represented the ever-growing group of dedicated professional Sailors at each command and were recognized.


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