Page 11 - Mariner-Summer-2023 Volume-66-Issue-2

According to Hunt, the choice was no easy task and a
precursor to additional leadership responsibilities for the
finalists. “There was zero, zero daylight between these
Shipmates. It was a very tough decision and each one of
them is anchor-ready and will be a welcome addition to
the Chief Petty Officers Mess,” said Hunt. “They are ready
to lead from the front, ready to provide the guidance and
leadership our Sailors need to face the challenges ahead.
Each one of them should be proud of their service to our
nation and dedication to our Navy. Each one should be
proud of what you have accomplished and what you rep-
resent. You represent the thousands of Sailors who are
standing the watch right now protecting our country, you offer…and exactly what our fleet commanders demand
represent the civilian employers, your communities, your from us: talented, capable, dedicated, warfighting-ready
commands and your families.” Sailors with a clear-eyed resolve to compete, deter, and
win today. Regardless of today’s results, all of our finalists
Hunt also recognized the first TAR Sailor selected Shore are going to go on to continue and do great things for our
Sailor of the Year, Yeoman 1st Class(ESW/ND) Camron Force and for our Navy. I take great comfort in knowing
Phillips, who was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps that these aggressive Sailors are going to be part of the
Commendation Medal by Vice Adm. Mustin during the leadership of the Navy Reserve in the critical decade that
event. lies ahead. Whether they’re wearing khakis immediately
next year or the year after, they are going to continue to
Following his remarks, Hunt introduced Mustin, who thrive, they are going to dedicate and contribute to the
started by recognizing the members of the selection board. urgent generational transformation that’s driving the
Force right now. I take great pride personally in serving
“Through their due diligence they pared down this amaz- alongside every one of you,” said Mustin.
ing group of candidates from 12,000 Sailors to five…to
determine with a high degree of confidence using quanti- After the announcement, McClintock talked about his
tative, objective, defensible, analytical, rigor to ensure that gratitude to family, God and “congratulate this extraordi-
we have selected the absolute best of the very best. So now narily talented group of finalists. It’s my pleasure to meet
onto our spectacular finalists. This is certainly a momen- you…and to my backbone, my fiancée who I have the
tous day for the five of you. A proud day certainly. You pleasure of marrying this Sunday. I can’t wait to get back
have worked hard. You have overcome many obstacles. home to share this with you.”
Your careers to-date are all eye-watering exemplary. The
fact that you are here today to celebrate this moment is a And he recognized the impact of others helping him be
notable achievement in-itself and regardless of the results successful. “I am only a man who is a reflection of all
we are going to announce in a moment, you’re all win- these people. I couldn’t have done this without any of
ners,” said Mustin. you as each of you have instilled tools in me that allow
me to seemingly make the impossible, possible,” said
“We have over 12,000 First Class Petty Officers in the McClintock.
Navy Reserve force. A very rigorous process that I just
mentioned narrowed that field down to five and today, Late Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and
ultimately, to one. And although there’s going to be a Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Jack Whittet ini-
single selection announced this morning, all of you have tiated the Sailor of the Year program in 1972 to recog-
distinguished yourselves from thousands of other Reserve nize outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors. The
Sailors, each of whom are doing great work…in every program was later expanded to honor the top Shore and
theater around the globe…24/7…365 days a year. Your Reserve Force Sailors of the Year.
achievements exemplify the best our Reserve force has to

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