Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific named its Sea, Shore, and Reserve Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a luncheon Feb. 8.

The top Sailors to advance to the next level of competition are the following: Personnel Specialist 1st Class Laura Godinez, assigned to 30th Naval Construction Regiment, was selected as the NECC Pacific Shore Sailor of the Year; Navy Diver 1st Class Nicholas Blankshine, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, was selected as the NECC Pacific Sea Sailor of the Year; Personnel Specialist 1st Class Aliscia Malone, assigned to NECC, was selected as the NECC Shore Sailor of the Year; Electrician's Mate 1st Class Keleiu Kromah, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 2, was selected as the NECC Sea Sailor of the Year; and Machinist's Mate 1st Class Michael DeMercado, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 1, was selected as the NECC Reserve Sailor of the Year.

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, NECC and NECC Pacific addressed the Sailors during the luncheon and congratulated them on their successes in reaching this point in the competition.

"Our Sailors of the Year represent the best of NECC and NECC Pacific and our Navy; they display the core values of initiative, toughness, integrity, and accountability," said Brakke. "I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments."

During the Sailor of the Year luncheon, NECC Force Master Chief James Herdel discussed the unique qualities of each of the finalists.

"The finalists for this year's Sailor of the Year competition from NECC and NECC Pacific were unique, mature, and extremely professional," added Herdel.

Cmdr. Rick Wilhelm, commanding officer, EODESU 2 said their command's Sailor of the Year was most deserving of the selection as NECC Sailor of the Year.

"Petty Officer Kromah's selfless leadership, humility, and innate ability to motivate others to seek excellence make him an ideal ambassador for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command force," said Wilhelm, who added Kromah has embodied leadership, mentorship, and integrity throughout his tour and naval career. "He is most deserving of his selection as the NECC Sea Sailor of the Year and I am extremely proud of his accomplishments."

Kromah, who immigrated to the United States from Liberia September 2000, emphasized the important milestone he achieved with obtaining NECC Sea Sailor of the Year.

"Being selected is a great reflection on myself, my Sailors, and my chain of command, and also means that I have come so far as a refugee in the United States of America," said Kromah.

Capt. Jeffrey Kilian, commodore, 30th Naval Construction Regiment praised Godinez on her selection as NECC Pacific Shore Sailor of the Year.

"PS1 Godinez has been an indelible force for our command and the Pacific Seabees," said Kilian. "I couldn't be more proud of her selection as NECC's-PAC Shore Sailor of the Year, and am thrilled to see her move forward to represent the Seabees at the Pacific Fleet competition."

Upon winning the NECC Pacific Shore Sailor of the Year competition, Godinez added her selection meant all of the hard work was worth it.

"It is an honor to be here to represent Naval Construction Forces and gives me great pleasure to be the Sailor of the Year," added Godinez.

For Malone, winning as NECC Shore Sailor of the Year meant her junior Sailors and her leadership did their jobs extremely well.

"It's not about me and what I did, but it's about my junior Sailors and their hard work, dedication, as well as the mentorship and guidance provided to me by my leadership," said Malone, who added the Sailor of the Year competition is a humbling experience she is proud to have experienced. "I hope to be an example of humility and steadfast perseverance to everyone I encountered."

DeMercado appreciated attending the Sailor of the Year competition and the support he received from his command.

"To be selected for NECC Sailor of the Year is not an individual effort, but a group effort from the command," said DeMercado.

Lt. Cmdr. Larrion Cassidy, chief staff officer, Coastal Riverine Squadron 1 expressed his pride on his Sailor's selection.

"He has made a lasting impression on our Sailors and the command leadership since his first day on board," said Cassidy.

All of the winners will now go on to the next level of competition at their respective geographical locations.

The Navy's SOY program was initially established in 1972 and modified throughout the years to include the Navy Enlisted Reservist of the Year (inactive). The program recognizes one Sailor from each command who demonstrates sustained superior performance, proven leadership, outstanding professionalism, and dedication to self-improvement.

NECC/NECC Pacific is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations which is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

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