USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) named the command’s Sailors of the Year during a commanding officer’s call on the flight deck Nov. 9.
Capt. Daniel Grieco , Blue Ridge commanding officer, announced Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Martin Rudolph , Senior Sailor of the Year; Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Ryan James, Junior Sailor of the Year; and Ships’ Serviceman (SW) Seaman James Graham, Blue Jacket of the Year were selected.
“I have a lot of people to thank for putting me in this position, including my mentor, [Chief Electronics Technician (SW) Alfonso Trival],” said James. “A lot of my success is because of the great team around me.”
Chief Electronics Technician (SW) Scott Cassin said James’ constant professionalism and the amount of time he puts into his work is unparalleled.
“He has made many sacrifices to ensure mission accomplishment,” said Cassin.
Cassin said James always prioritizes to make sure he and his Sailors get the job done.
Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class (SW) Richard Molina said Graham’s volunteer work highlighted his selection as Blue Jacket of the Year.
“I’m very impressed by his efforts over the last year,” said Molina. “He volunteered to represent Blue Ridge and help hundreds of fellow Sailors file their taxes this last year. That’s just one example of the kind of volunteering he has done.”
Rudolph said that he had a memorable experience when he found out he received the award.
“I told my wife and she said ‘Congratulations for being nominated,'” said Rudolph. “I had to explain to her that I actually won. She was very excited.”
As Blue Ridge Sailors of the Year, they will compete against awardees from other commands under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76 for the CTF-76 Sailor of the Year awards. [mappress] Source: navy, November 14, 2011