Navy Medicine West named its Sailor of the Year winners during a ceremony held Dec. 9 at its Headquarters.

Cheers and applause filled an auditorium packed with Sailors and civilians, some who travelled long distances, to find out who the winners of the prestigious Sailor of the Year, Junior Sailor of the Year, and Bluejacket of the Year would be.

Petty Officer 1st Class Tiffany Kidd, from U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka Japan, won the honor of being named the Navy Medicine West Sailor of the Year. Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Hough, from Naval Hospital Oak Harbor, won the honor of being named the Navy Medicine West Junior Sailor of the Year, and Seaman Katie Yost, from Naval Dental Center Camp Pendleton, won the honor of being named the Navy Medicine West Bluejacket of the Year.

The day's event was the culmination of a highly-competitive selection process, where the Sailors who best demonstrate superior performance, command impact, and proven leadership -- among other distinguishing traits -- are nominated for selection.
The Sailor of the Year program was established in 1972 to recognize Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors who represented the Navy's best through personal and professional dedication, according to the Department of the Navy Sailor of the Year program instruction. Since then, the program has expanded to include recognition of Sailors serving in shore establishments, and Reservists.

Rear Adm. Paul Pearigen, commander for Navy Medicine West, and Master Chief Petty Officer Hosea Smith, command master chief for Navy Medicine West, congratulated Kidd as she made her way onto the front stage to be recognized. Master Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Dell, command master chief for Naval Hospital Oak Harbor, accepted the Junior Sailor of the Year recognition on behalf of Hough, who was unable to be recognized in person. Master Chief Petty Officer Ana Wood, command master chief for 1st Dental Battalion, Naval Dental Center Camp Pendleton, received the Bluejacket of the Year recognition on behalf of Yost, who was also unable to be recognized in person.

"I had the distinct pleasure of interacting with each of your Sailor of the Year nominees this week, and the future of our Navy is in great hands," said Pearigen. "You should be proud of them. They represented each of your commands with pride and excellence. Congratulations, and well done!"

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