Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) San Diego Supervisory Chemist Digna Feria was announced as the Navy Fuels Civilian of the Year in a congratulatory message dated April 6.

Feria received the recognition upon her selection by the Excellence in Naval Fuel Management Recognition Program for her efforts in calendar year 2016.

"Digna's individual efforts have been integral to the success of our fuel facilities and regional air stations, enabling them to accomplish their missions every day," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Madden, regional fuels officer. "Her recognition as the Navy Fuels Civilian of the Year is a true testament to her unfaltering commitment to the mission, environment and, most importantly, the customers she serves and the personnel she serves with."

Feria's duties include providing quality assurance laboratory testing for all Defense Logistics Agency funded petroleum, oil and lubricant stock in the Commander, Navy Region Southwest area of responsibility - home to the largest concentration of naval forces in the world.

"She processed 1,353 samples and conducted 9,741 specialized quality tests in calendar year 2016 alone," said Madden. "Each of those ensured the warfighter received the fuel they needed for every evolution, while meeting specifications requirements every time. Her diligent oversight was a necessity for mission accomplishment every day."

Feria emigrated to the United States from Legaspi, Philippines with her college sweetheart in 1970, after earning a degree as a chemical engineer. She recertified her academic credentials for practice in the U.S. upon her arrival and began her federal career in the civil service as a chemist nearly 38 years ago.

"I've been coming to work in the same office, in the same building, since 1979," she said. "I'm just doing my job. I like to come to work, get things done, then go home and live a different life."

While she may be humble, Feria is no stranger to accolades. In 2009, she was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the second highest award and medal provided to civil servants within the federal government.

The NAVSUP FLC San Diego fuels team nabbed two category wins for 2016; the Navy Fuels Civilian of the Year award, which Feria received, and the award for the Navy Retail Fuels Activity category, bestowed upon Naval Air Station Fallon.

"All I can say is that she's a self-made icon in our industry," said Stephen Frey, Point Loma fuels officer. "It's both well-deserved and overdue. I think that sums up the kind of dedication she puts forth every day."

Feria's efforts were also vital to NAVSUP FLC San Diego's receipt of the 2015 award for the Navy Bulk Fuel Terminal of the Year category, as well as the receipt of back-to-back Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards in 2014 and 2015.

"Our entire fuels team is dedicated to safety. Pilots need on-specification JP-5 jet fuel to keep their planes in the air, and our ships need diesel fuel (marine) and lubricating oils to keep them from being dead in the water," said Feria. "There is no underestimating the kinds of accidents that can happen if the fuels are not properly tested. That's something you always have to think about, and that happens to be my job."

NAVSUP FLC San Diego Commanding Officer Capt. Michelle Morse echoed Feria's sentiments.

"It is critical to have the most advanced equipment and facilities available to our armed forces. That is common knowledge," said Morse. "But you also need to have the most capable and qualified people on the job, ensuring that the fuels and lubricants the equipment requires is on specification. There is zero room for equipment failure in warfighting, and there's zero room for delay. Ms. Feria knows that all too well, and I can think of nobody more deserving of this individual award."

NAVSUP FLC San Diego, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

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