After a week-long competition at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa Southwest Asia (CNREURAFSWA) announced its 2015 Sailor of the Year (SOY).

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Mark A. Francesco from the Expeditionary Medical Facility Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti took top honors, besting the seven other Sailors of the Year from within the Region.

"This was unexpected," said Francesco. "It was just about the deployment and my mind was focused on the mission and taking care of my Sailors."

The 30 year old Palm Bay, Fla. native was humbled with his achievement and very appreciative of the honor, crediting his fellow SOYs, his leadership, and the Sailors he has served with for his success.

"I am proud to represent all the Sailors I served with," he said. "I am just here representing my unit. There are plenty of 1st classes at my unit that could have done this."


Also, this year's group of competing Sailors gave the eight command master chiefs a "run for their money" selecting a Sailor to represent CNREURAFSWA at the next level of completion at Commander, Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C.

"Selecting the Sailor of the Year at any level is never easy. Each of our installation Sailors of the Year should be rightfully proud of how they represented themselves and their commands this week," said CMDCM Gregory A. Vidaurri, CNREURAFSWA command master chief. "HM1 Francesco was selected because he was the best all-around Sailors amongst the eight other candidates. He was engaged at all levels and was excelling in a joint operational environment. I am confident he will represent our Region well at the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) SOY competition."

"Yes, I feel like all the commands sent their best Sailors," Francesco agreed. "It was extremely competitive."

Although the SOY competition was serious it was not all boards and score cards. Francesco said, there was down time and time to build relationships.

"It was fun," said the 12 year navy veteran. "The CMCs and the mess gave us a small tour of Naples and we got to hang out and I saw the group coming together. The experience was special. It was an honor to be part of this."

The Sailor of the Year competition may seems like just another Navy board but it is much more than that.

"We often discuss being 'Brilliant on the Basics.' One of the key components of BOB is recognition," said Vidaurri. "Our Sailors work long hours, deploy away from their family and friends, and make personal sacrifices throughout their careers in support of their commands in the Navy. Recognizing our Sailors for a job well job can make a day, even change a life. Our Sailor of the Year Program was designed to recognize the best of the best at each installation."

Vidaurri add, "... appreciation or recognition is important on a daily basis, not just annually at SOY functions. Our Sailors respond best when they are treated well and they know they are valued members of the organizations."

And valued they are, but the busy life of being a SOY competitor doesn't end for the young Corpsman. For that matter, the busy life of a Sailor doesn't end for Francesco. As soon as the competition was completed and he was announced as CNREURAFSWA Sailor of the Year HM1 Francesco boarded a plane for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he is now attached to Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Supply Battalion after completing his deployment to Camp Lemonnier. Also once the dates are announced for the CNIC SOY he will be headed to the Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. to represent CNREURAFSWA.

It seems there is no rest for the Sailor of the Year.


For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/.