Gulfport sailors earn USFF honors

NORFOLK, Va. - U.S. Fleet Forces Command announced its 2018 USFF Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a breakfast here March 7. Builder 1st Class Luke G. Johnson of the Gulfport, Miss.-based Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 was named Sea Sailor of the Year. Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Steffi M. Gutierrezlara of Naval Surface Squadron 14 was Shore Sailor of the Year. “What an honorable experience this has been,” said Johnson. “To my fellow finalists, we have forged such amazing relationships, and to my sailors - I want to say thank you - as you are the reason for my success. They are amazing and their success makes me so proud.” During the ceremony, all 12 SOY finalists were recognized for their work and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Among Gulf Coast-based finalists for Sea SoY was BU1 Luke G. Johnson of NMCB 1 in Gulfport. Shore SoY finalist included Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class Leigh A. Windham of the Gulfport-based Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Professional Development Center. (Source: US Fleet Forces Command 03/07/19)