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“
Every Sailor that I have had an interaction with

throughout my career, I’ve been able to pull a positive

or constructive piece of insight from, which has

ultimately helped me improve... I feel that is what

makes us great as a Navy, the diversity of our people. ”

made the recommendation to Mustin for the finalist. and Sailors who had helped him throughout his career. “I
According to Kotz, the selection was no easy task. feel that is what makes us great as a Navy, the diversity of
our people … a diversity that introduces you to new and
“I cannot stress to you the difficulty it is to measure the different ideas that can only guide you to improvement.
absolute excellence of these two Sailors,” Kotz said during I am very humbled and excited to accept this selection
his remarks. “I’m so proud of the professionalism, the today, and I cannot wait to take what I learned through
tenacity, the dedication that our two boards put together this process back to the fleet and work with the Sailors to
to render the final recommendation.” become the best Navy Reserve that we can be.”

Following his remarks, Kotz introduced Mustin who Sims will be promoted to the rank of chief petty officer
reemphasized the excellence of the two finalists, par- during the Chief of Naval Operations Sailor of the Year
ticularly compared to a pool of excellent and dedicated ceremony at a later date. Heen will be awarded the Navy
candidates. and Marine Corps Commendation Medal by his com-
mand for being selected as a finalist in the competition.
“What I want everyone to understand is that we have
12,000 first class petty officers in the Navy Reserve, Late Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt
and we’re selecting one,” Mustin said, minutes before and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Jack Whittet
announcing the winner. “We’ve already narrowed it down initiated the Sailor of the Year program in 1972 to rec-
from a little over a dozen to two. And I can assure you ognize outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors. The
that both of these Sailors have distinguished themselves program was later expanded to honor the top Shore and
from thousands of others who are also doing great work Reserve Force Sailors of the Year.
around the world, in every theater of the globe, in every
moment in time.” For 106 years, the Navy Reserve has been a ready, agile
force providing valuable, vital support to the Navy and
Finally, Mustin announced the winner and after a virtual the Nation. The Ready Reserve Force consists of approxi-
award presentation, Sims had the opportunity to present mately 48,209 Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors, 10,163
his own remarks. Full Time Support (FTS) members, 50,223 Individual
Ready Reserve (IRR) members and over 428 civilians.
“Every Sailor that I have had an interaction with through- This force of over 100,000 delivers strategic depth and
out my career, I’ve been able to pull a positive or construc- warfighting readiness to the Navy and Marine Corps
tive piece of insight from, which has ultimately helped team, and the Joint Force in times of peace and war.
me improve,” said Sims after thanking the many leaders

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 21