NAS Jax announces Sailor of the Year

"What a way to kick off the new year," said NAS Jax Commanding Officer Jack Scorby Jr. said. "We've got six outstanding nominees here. There are more than 500 Sailors at NAS Jacksonville and this is the cream of the crop. I couldn't be more proud of what they've accomplished. Any one of them could have been chosen," he added.

West was selected from the group of six SOY candidates, who were CS1(SW) Cruz Ayala, NC1(SW) Greg Stalling, MA1(SW) Barion Haywood, QM1(SW) Harold Stubbs, and AO1(AW/SW) Thomas Simpson.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped me get here. I couldn't have done it without you," West said of his selection as SOY. "I work with a great group people and any time I have a question, they are always there to answer it. The leadership skills I've learned from my superiors is something I will take with me throughout my career."

NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Steve Holmes, left, NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr., center, and NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW) Chris Green, right, stand with the NAS Jax Sailor of the Year (SOY) candidates. From left to right, CS1(SW) Cruz Ayala, QM1(SW) Harold Stubbs, MA1(SW) Barion Haywood, NC1(SW) Greg Stalling, AO1(AW/SW) Thomas Simpson and SOY winner AC1(AW/SW) Gregory West. By MC2(AW/NAC) Kaitlyn Patterson

"AC1 West is a walking testimony of the Navy core values and the epitome of professionalism," remarked Scorby. "His limitless display of personal initiative and dedication have been nothing less than stellar within the air traffic control division and NAS Jacksonville, playing a major part in his nomination as SOY. His innovative management style has help lead the charge in the qualifications and sailorization of more than 50 Sailors."

West joined the Navy in 1994 graduating from Fireman Apprenticeship Training, Air Traffic Control (AC) "A" school and Carrier Air Traffic Control "C" school after boot camp. He reported on board USS Essex (LHD-2) in San Diego in 1995 as an undesignated fireman.