The 2016 Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (SUBLANT) Senior and Junior Sailors of the Year (SOY) for sea and shore were announced Feb. 15.

The winners were recognized by Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Force Master Chief John Perryman during a luncheon held at the Pennsylvania House onboard Naval Station Norfolk.

"I had the esteemed pleasure to recognize these fine petty officers who embody the fighting spirit of the Navy," said Perryman. "Their professionalism and dedication is equally obvious in the performance of their duties and their commitment to their community. It is Sailors like these who lead the way among their peers and contribute greatly to the Navy's continued success. 'Bravo Zulu,' shipmates on a job well done!"

"It is an incredible honor to know that the Navy recognized my hardwork and dedication and considers me, and all of the other candidates, as examples of what Sailors should be," said Electronics Technician (Submarines) Communication 1st Class Justin Willoughby, SUBLANT's Sea Junior Sailor of the Year. "I continuously strive to be the best I can be, and to set a positive example for the junior Sailors and receiving the nomination confirms that I am doing the right thing."

In the week prior to the ceremony, the Sailors went through physical training sessions and a heritage tour of Naval Station Norfolk where the nominees visited the USS Cole memorial, Iowa Point, and the USS Scorpion Memorial -- building camaraderie and shedding light on those who have gone before them and made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and democracy.

"It means a great deal to me to be a part of something bigger than myself," said Willoughby, who serves with ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Blue crew. "Nowhere else is there a job more important and where so many people count on you doing your job to the best of your ability. My shipmates count on me, my supervisors count on me, and most importantly the American people count on me."

Representing a generation of submarine warfighters whose work ethic and demonstrated skill make up the backbone of America's nuclear deterrent strategy, many candidates know they didn't reach this achievement alone.

"It is a testament to my previous and current senior enlisted advisors and their guidance and mentorship," said SUBLANT Sea Senior Sailor of the Year, Sonar Technician (Submarines) 1st Class Thomas Hudgins.

A native of Glen Rose, Texas, Hudgins has served in the Navy for 10 years and is currently assigned to guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) Blue crew.

"It is truly an honor and I am proud to carry out their legacy," he added. "I love what I do and this country. I am blessed to be recognized for something I enjoy doing, and being able to do it with amazing men and women."

"Receiving this honor means that I can do anything I set my mind to and that possibilities are endless," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Bethany Polee, winner of the Shore Junior Sailor of the Year. "Serving in the Navy has helped me develop character, mature, and assisted me in broadening my horizons whereas I have had the pleasure of serving with a diverse group of Sailors."

As a Roanoke, Virginia, native, Polee serves as part of COMSUBLANT's Broadcast Control Authority watchstanders who maintain and sustain communications with Atlantic-based submarines.

"It is my highest achievement as a Sailor," said Yeoman 1st Class Fausto Viera, Submarine Squadron 16's nominee and winner of Shore Senior Sailor of the Year. "It motivates me to continue working to make my team better and continue to contribute to strengthen the Navy and the Submarine Force."

Viera, a San Juan, Puerto Rico, native who has served in the Navy for five years and seven months, knows it takes more than the individual effort to achieve success.

"Serving in the Navy has taught me how to be a team player, a developing leader, and to recognize that there are always areas to improve," Viera continued. "I have learned to value other people's values and diversity, be respectful, and to be responsible in everything I do."

As the Senior Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year for SUBLANT, the next round of competition will see Willoughby and Viera competing in the Atlantic Fleet Sailor of the Year competition hosted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. The winner of the Atlantic Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year will be meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer.

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