On July 28, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command advanced its first Sailor, Petty Officer Jahnny Perez, through the Navy's Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP), which is designed to recognize superior performance and advance the best and most deserving Sailors.

Perez, who is assigned to SPAWAR Space Field Activity, serves as the Ground Enterprise Directorate/Integrated Intelligence System Program Office outreach team lead. Perez is responsible for conducting training events and live demonstrations for 13 programs of record. In addition, he liaises with more than 25 Nation Reconnaissance Office field representatives for user needs and is the I2SPO point of contact for coordination of the Coast Guard's research and development program known as REDFISH.

In addition to his job duties, Perez was voted by his peers to be the vice president of the Second Class Petty Officer Association based on his leadership capability and command-focused energy. In his free time, he gives back to his community as a volunteer at Goodwill.

"Petty Officer Perez walks the walk, inspiring all who work with him," said Capt. E.J. Henrickson, commanding officer of SSFA. "As SSFA Junior Sailor of the Year, SPAWAR Junior Sailor of the Year and NRO Ground Enterprise Directorate Middle Enlisted of the Year, Petty Officer Perez unequivocally earned my highest recommendation for this advancement."

Fiscal year 16 has been the first year that MAP has expanded to include eligible shore commands, Pre-Commissioning Units and Professional Apprenticeship Career Tract Sailors. The increase in MAP quotas and expansion of the program further empowers commanding officers to recognize sustained superior performance through immediate advancement.

"The Navy has some outstanding Sailors serving in shore-centric ratings and I'm pleased to see that these fine Sailors get the same opportunities as our Sailors at sea," said SPAWAR commander, Rear. Adm. Dave Lewis.

The recent changes to MAP are based on recommendations from senior enlisted leaders throughout the fleet and are intended to increase the overall number of MAP advancements for Sailors this year. The 2016 fall advancement cycle planning will incorporate the number of Sailors advanced via MAP to arrive at quotas for advancement based on Navywide Advancement Exam results.

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