USA: Submarine Force Atlantic Recognizes 2011 SUBLANT Senior, Junior SOY

Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (SUBLANT) Vice Adm. John Richardson recognized the 2011 SUBLANT Senior and Junior Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a luncheon held at the Vista Point Center, Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 25.

“We are here today to celebrate excellence,” Richardson said. “These Sailors are the Submarine Forces’ equivalent to the Plays of the Day. These Sailors are the folks that make up our highlight reels, the very best of the best. Their dedication and talent inspires us all to dig deeper and achieve more, to raise our game up a notch or two. They are the examples that we look to. It’s a privilege to be amongst our superstars. They are an inspiration to me, our force and our Navy.”

The 2011 SUBLANT Senior Sea Sailor of the Year was Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class (SSW) William Nagel, assigned to the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753), home ported in Norfolk. The 31-year-old Sailor is from Montgomery County, Texas, and joined the Navy in August 1998.

“It is just a tremendous honor to be nominated, and for being selected I am lost for words,” said Nagel. “This means everything because of the great support I got from my wife and family. I don’t know what separated me from the other Sailors, but being the Educational Services Officer onboard helped. As the ESO, I mentored a lot of junior Sailors and was involved with every junior Sailor in providing them tools for advancement.”

Yeoman 1st Class (SSW) Scott Biden was recognized as the 2011 SUBLANT Senior Shore Sailor of the Year. Biden was born in Monica, Calif., but raised in Upland, Calif., and joined the Navy in February 2000.

“Without the support and guidance of my wife, and the support of my shipmates, I would not be standing here today,” said Biden. “This is a tremendous award for all my mentors who have helped me get here, and continue to help me.”

As the Senior Shore and Sea Sailors of the Year, Nagel and Biden will represent SUBLANT in the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) Sailor of the Year competition.

The USFFC competition will be held in March with other Atlantic Fleet type command winners. The Atlantic Fleet sea winner from that competition will be meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer, while the Atlantic Fleet shore winner will enter the Chief of Naval Operations competition in Washington, D.C.

The 2011 SUBLANT Junior Sea Sailor of the Year was Fire Control Technician 2nd Class (SSW) Mike Blizzard, a 25-year-old assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), home ported in Kings Bay, Ga. He is from Scranton, N.C., and joined the Navy in February 2007.

“We have a great command,” said Blizzard. “This means a lot and can’t really think of any additional words to describe emotions. Amazing and shows what hard work can do for someone’s career.”

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Alexander Hiller was honored as the 2011 SUBLANT Junior Shore Sailor of the Year. He is a 25-year-old assigned to the staff at Commander, Naval Submarine Support Facility, home based in New London, Conn.

Hiller is from Dunkirk, N.Y., and joined the Navy in August 2003.

“This is a great honor, particularly being a surface Sailor working in the submarine fleet,” said Hiller. “It was not just the award, but coming here and meeting all the high-level people and achievers. This was significant because it indicates the impartiality of the submarine fleet, and their willingness to recognize excellence.”

Force Master Chief Kirk Saunders, SUBLANT Force Master Chief, stated he was proud of the professionalism, civic-mindedness, and family-oriented focus always exhibited by all enlisted submarine force Sailors. But he said this group was special and possessed a sharper edge.

“The Sailor of the Year program is an excellent forum to recognize our top performers,” said Saunders. “For the past several days during the selection process, I have gotten to know the Sailors and their families. I have truly been honored and inspired by them. These Sailors are carrying the torch in leading our commander’s vision for the submarine force. They are preparing and ensuring our submariners are ready forces able to engage in current, forward, and future operations and warfighting.”

The other candidates for Senior Sea Sailor and Senior Shore Sailor of the year were Electrician’s Mate 1st Class (SSW) Jessy White and Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW/EXW) Sean McLaughlin, respectively.

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Naval Today Staff , January 30, 2012; Image: navy