The selections were made from staff at the more than 230 training commands and units throughout the enterprise.

Rear Adm. Mike White, commander, Naval Education and Training Command praised the SOY, four IOYs and the finalists in each category for work they do developing the Navy's newest Sailors, while providing a continuum of training to support Sailors throughout their careers.

"You are here there today because you stood out amongst the 8,000 military instructors- you are the Elite," said Rear Admiral Mike White, command Naval Education and Training Command. "Each and every one of you innovate, challenge assumptions and lead change throughout our domain."

The 2015 NETC Sailor of the Year is Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class (IDW/SW) Stephen Comstock, from the Center for Information Dominance Detachment at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. He's been in the Navy for 16 years and is the course supervisor for the Navy Analysis and Reporting Course.

"Training provides the foundation for the next generation of sea warriors on which they can enhance their skills," Comstock said when asked why it is important for highly qualified Sailor to volunteer for instructor duty. "With high caliber Sailors providing the training, it ensures that every Sailor sent into the fleet has the same solid foundation on which to build their careers, and in turn, guiding the future of our Navy."

Comstock will go forward to compete as NETC's representative in the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPTE) domain's top Sailor competition.

The 2015 NETC Instructors of the Year (junior/midgrade/senior/officer) are:

Junior - Builder 2nd Class (SCW/EXW) Travis Klawonn, Center for Security Forces Detachment North Island, San Diego.

Midgrade - Information Systems Technician 1st Class (IDW/SW/AW) Aaron Bond, Center for Information Dominance Unit Corry Station, Pensacola.

Senior -- Chief Machinist Mate (SW/AW) Duane McCarty, Submarine Learning Facility, Norfolk, Virginia.

Officer -- Lt. Ann Bednash, Center for Information Dominance Unit, San Diego.

The finalists traveled to NETC headquarters where the final selections were made. NETC Force Command Career Counselor Master Chief Jake Brady coordinated the SOY and IOY programs for the NETC enterprise and the week of events in Pensacola which included group physical fitness runs in the morning, tours of area training commands to trade ideas and concepts, uniform inspections and, for the SOY candidates, responding to questions from a panel of master chief petty officers on everything from Navy heritage to leadership, policies and programs.

"NETC is a massive enterprise and our work touches the lives and careers of every Sailor in the Navy," Brady said. "The Sailors selected for training duty are some of the best in the fleet. That tells you a lot about the candidates we had to choose from and how hard the selection was."

According to NETC Force Master Chief Jon Port, the finalists this year were some of the finest Sailors he's seen in his career.

"This generation of Sailors is a different breed from those I knew as a young Sailor," Port said, who has served for 30 years. "They honor the heritage of our Navy while looking boldly into the future and the vast possibilities that are waiting to be discovered. Our Navy and our Republic are in great hands.

"Through all the challenges and changes ahead, this group of Sailors led our efforts. That is truly why they represent the best of an outstanding military and civilian organization training the future and present fleet."

The NETC SOY and IOY programs recognize Sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit sustained superior performance, leadership, mentorship, knowledge and teaching of military history and heritage, self-improvement, command and community involvement and exemplary military bearing among other attributes.

To learn more about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NavalEducationAndTrainingCommand/?fref=ts
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.


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