The leadership of the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) announced the Senior Sailor of the Quarter, Junior Sailor of the Quarter and Blue Jacket of the Quarter winners for the first quarter of 2015, April 7.

Sonar Technician 1st Class (SW) Ronald W. Winfrey, who hails from Cullman, Alabama, was named Senior Sailor of the Quarter; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW) Vashon J. McGill, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was named Junior Sailor of the Quarter; and Seaman Davy Marrero, from New Jersey, was named Blue Jacket of the Quarter.

"These Sailors have gone above and beyond to get nominated by their work centers and are highly deserving of the honor," said Lt. Cmdr. Raphael "Raph" Castillejo, Lake Erie's executive officer.

Winfrey said he learned of his award while working on the gun range and knows the award is highly competitive.

"I'm so grateful for the hard work of my Sailors," said Winfrey. "None of my day-to-day accomplishments would be possible without the hard work of the junior Sailors I have the pleasure to work with."

In addition to his many duties, Winfrey also wears the hat of command master-at-arms. He said he hopes to make chief petty officer soon, and is involved with CPO 365 and in the first class petty officer's mess.

"Always support your Sailors and they will support you," said Winfrey. "If you focus your attention on them, your success will follow."

McGill also expressed his appreciation for being recognized as Lake Erie's Junior Sailor of the Quarter.

"I am happy to be rewarded for my initiative among the many other deserving candidates," said McGill.

McGill's supervisors said he began revamping the medical program on board Lake Erie immediately after walking across the brow and checking aboard as the leading petty officer.

With the dedicated help of his Sailors and his past work experience, he began reforming the ship's CPR program. His hard work has paid off and the ship's crew is more than 50% CPR qualified.

McGill said he hopes to use the skills he has learned in the Navy to someday become a radiologist. In his off-duty time he said he enjoys boxing and poetry.

"Take initiative, work hard, and don't let anyone tell what you can't do," said McGill.

Marrero, who has only been on board Lake Erie for a short period of time, said he was honored to be named the recipient of the award.

"I am humbled to be named the Blue Jacket of the Quarter," said Marrero. "I believe this honor is justification for hard work and perseverance."

Marrero said he hopes to strike for cryptologic technician (networks) later this year. He said he enjoys playing his guitar at home with his wife, Erin, or running on the beach in his free time.

"Pay attention to what your leaders are asking of you," said Marrero. "Never procrastinate or cut corners and your work will be rewarded, even if it isn't in the form of a physical award."

Commissioned July 24, 1993, Lake Erie is named in honor of the U.S. Navy's decisive victory over the British at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/.