The staff of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) announced the 2014 SURFPAC Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a banquet at the Admiral Kidd Catering and Conference Center in San Diego, Feb. 27.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Petty Officer (AW/SW) David C. Dysart, USS Makin Island (LHD 8); was named the Sea SOY, and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class (AW/SW) Joseph C. Mathews, USS America (LHA 6), was named Shore SOY.

Spouses, command leadership teams, distinguished military guests and community supporters attended the ceremony where the Senior Sailors of the Year for each SURFPAC sea and shore commands were also recognized during the event which was sponsored by the Surface Navy Association.

Dysart hails from St. Joseph, Missouri, and entered the Navy on Nov. 17, 2003. He completed the Airman Apprenticeship Training Core Course in Pensacola, Florida, and began his shore tour at instructor duty with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 at Naval Station North Island. His sea commands includes USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Makin Island (LHD 8), where he is currently assigned as the Air Department leading petty officer (LPO).

"The Sailors that I lead and the Sailors who helped me to this position are the main reason I have won this great honor," said Dysart. "I never thought I would make it this far as a three year airmen, I am just elated to have come this far in my career and be blessed with such a high honor."

Mathews, a native of Hayward, California, entered the Navy in June 2003. He graduated from "A" School in October 2003 at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida. His shore tour includes an assignment to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island as the Fuels LPO. His sea commands include USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS America (LHA 6), where he is currently assigned as the Air Department LPO and V4 Division's Maintenance LPO.

"It's amazing to be able to represent my command; I feel great about it and it has been such a humbling experience," said McArthur. "I am ecstatic at having won and it is an absolute honor going forward and representing the eight individuals who were my competition but who are now my friends."

Seven finalists took part in board interviews, command events and a series of community outreach activities, which included meeting with Pearl Harbor survivors, a visit to USS Midway Museum, and the San Diego Zoo. The finalists also attended professional development sessions at SURFPAC headquarters.

"We are here to recognize these Sailors' outstanding service," said SURFPAC Force Master Chief Jason Wallis. "They should be extremely proud of their accomplishments and the fact that their commands recognized their hard work and have lead them to this path puts them one step away from putting on anchors."

Dysart and Mathews will now compete in Hawaii against Pacific Fleet nominees vying for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) Shore and Sea SOY titles. The sea and shore-based commands of COMPACFLT represent more than 200,000 Sailors. The top COMPACFLT Sea Sailor will be eligible for meritorious promotion to chief petty officer and the Shore SOY will move on to competition in Washington, D.C., for possible designation as the 2014 Chief of Naval Operations Shore SOY.

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