Training Support Center (TSC) San Diego recognized their top civilians for fiscal year 2016 at a ceremony on board Naval Base San Diego Sept. 8.

Capt. John D. Wilshusen, commanding officer of the training center, told the audience that although mission success is a team effort, there are many exceptional individuals who deserve recognition for their hard work.

Francisco Guerra, a member of the TSC San Diego team since 2009 was honored as the 2016 Senior Civilian of the Year for his superior performance in ensuring fleet readiness by closely working with the fleet training officers to ensure commands receive the training quotas they need.

During the year, he handled over 13,600 requests for specialized training and delivered over 140 individual training sessions on topics that included the automated systems that build and manage training requirements.

Guerra is a member of TSC San Diego's Ready Relevant Training (RRL) implementation team who has done research on the purpose and scope of TSC San Diego's role in RRL. In addition, he conducted a visit with TSC Hampton Roads to review common training processes and ensure RRL implementation can be achieved on both coasts.

As a retired master chief aviation boatswain's mate with 31 years of service, Guerra said he was extremely honored to receive such an important award because each challenge he faced throughout his career has only strengthened him into the person that he is today.

"Although we have a powerful naval force, there are always ways we can improve how we approach fleet readiness," said Guerra. "Even though I am no longer on active duty, I feel I can still make an impact that is effective and meaningful."

Joseph Yandall, the command's security manager, was honored as the 2016 Junior Civilian of the Year for his exceptional performance performing hundreds of security clearance checks for both staff and students.

A retired Marine with 26 years of active service, Yandall said he has always taken ownership of the commands he has been at and working beyond expectations is a habit.

"I am grateful and humbled to be recognized as a hard worker among many stellar performers here at TSC," said Yandall. "This award was a team effort and there are many others here who are deserving of this award."

Finally, Wilshusen recognized Hector Mena, the command's training technician and pass coordinator, by awarding him a Quality Step Increase (QSI). Similar to the Meritorious Advancement Program aboard ships, QSI provides the commanding officer the means to recognize and reward civil service employees who display outstanding performance.

"It is truly is an honor and privilege to have people of their caliber working here at TSC," said Wilshusen. "On behalf of the entire staff, I commend them for their contributions."

For information about TSC San Diego visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/tscsd/Default.aspx.

For more information about Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/NavalEducationAndTrainingCommand.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.