NASWF selects sailors of the year

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Andre Chester, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Bradley Johnson, and Air Traffic Controller Airman Apprentice Merill Ottwell were recently selected by Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) as Sailor, Junior Sailor, and Bluejacket of the Year for 2007. 

This award recognizes them as the top Sailors at the command and acknowledges their superior efforts, professionalism, technical knowledge, and community involvement. In addition to the Sailor of the Year (SOY), Junior Sailor of the Year (JSOY) and Bluejacket of the Year (BJOY) awards, each recipient was presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during an award ceremony March 17.

Chester supervises a team of 25 Sailors in the Air Traffic Control Division.  In that role, he oversaw more than 163,000 flight evolutions supporting Training Wing-FIVE's development of 700 new aviators.  As a recognized expert in the division, he helped junior Sailors achieve 34 new professional qualifications and helped his shipmates reach a 65 percent advancement rate.  His leadership style helped to retain 98 percent of the division's Sailors in Naval service.

"Petty Officer Chester is a superior Air Controller as well as a role model Sailor!  He is the resident expert in the control tower and a team leader who empowers every Sailor to excel," said Lt. Randy Roy, Air Traffic Control Officer at NASWF. 

Johnson earned his Aircraft Rescue FireFighting (ARFF) qualification within three months after his arrival and now serves as the Assistant ARFF Chief at Outlying Field Brewton.  That is just one example of his drive and dedication, and he instills that same desire to excel to his eight shipmates through an aggressive in rate training program.  Johnson also leads a highly successful daily physical training program which helped the division reduce physical fitness failures by 60 percent.  He also serves as a volunteer firefighter at the Skyline Fire Department.

"Petty Officer Johnson's ability to maintain professionalism and instill self-confidence in his subordinates in a high-tempo environment has earned my complete trust," said Lt. James Walsh, NASWF Crash and Rescue division officer.  "He successfully coordinates safe operations between the division and civilian airport management and he and his crew provide outstanding services in support of our mission."

As a junior Sailor, Ottwell works as a Air Traffic Control Tower Ground controller. She is responsible for coordinating support equipment for aircraft and for initiating emergency response vehicles in the event of a mishap.  She also helps unqualified Sailors gain their initial tower qualifications.

"Airman Otwell is a hard charging young Sailor who is an invaluable asset to our department," said Roy.  "Her drive to succeed and her unshakeable resolve set the standard for the Navy's future Sailors."

Chester, Johnson and Ottwell were selected from a strong pool of candidates and the decisions to select them were quite difficult said Capt. Enrique Sadsad, commanding officer NASWF.

"These three Sailors are perfect examples of the quality young men and women we have serving here at Whiting Field and in the Navy.  I wish we could honor more, because so many service members here deserve the accolades.  We are fortunate to have such a large group of true professionals like these three working here and it is a privilege to serve with them all."