The Director Navy Staff, Vice Adm. Scott Swift, announced the winner of the CNO Shore Activities Sailor of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony at the Pentagon, April 17.

Swift awarded Steelworker 1st Class Brenton Heisserer, from Naval Construction Group 1, as this year's winner.

Joining Heisserer as a SOY finalist were Naval Aircrewman (Avionics) 1st Class William Ballard, Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Johnetta Heckerd, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jason Hildreth and Yeoman 1st Class Holly Parimore.

"It's important to remember that these five Sailors in front of us today, the excellence that they represent is reflective of the excellence that we enjoy across the entire force and in particular today recognizing the shore side Sailors," said Swift.

Heisserer was the U.S. Pacific Fleet Shore SOY and is the lead petty officer for Contingency Construction Crew Training and is designated as the assistant command master training specialist and technical readiness of more than 300 personnel.

"I stand before you with great humility and it's an honor to be recognized," said Heisserer. "Especially among the other finalists here."

Adm. Elmo Zumwalt initiated the SOY program in 1972, to recognize the outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors. The following year, the Shore SOY program was introduced.

Each year, every Navy ship, station and command around the world chooses its Sailor of the year based on leadership, professionalism, dedication, and superior performance. These selectees compete against recipients from other commands competing at higher and higher echelons until the Navy's four finest are chosen and only one selected as the CNO Shore Activities SOY.