NAS Jax announces 2006 Sailor of the Year

The celebration was actually supposed to be a luncheon a few hours earlier, but was rescheduled because the base had come together to support the arrival of the body of Spc. William Rechenmacher who was killed in Iraq nearly two weeks ago.

Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson mentioned the base's support during his remarks. "I want to acknowledge the flexibility of this ceremony because we were supposed to do this at a luncheon today, but for all the right reasons we've rolled it into this. I want to thank everyone who had a part in this for really doing a moving job today."

He continued on to announce the 2006 SOY. "You guys have done a great job this week. Though any of you would be a fantastic Sailor of the year, there can only be one. Congratulations to TM1 Quinones."

During acceptance his speech, Quinones thanked his fellow SOY nominees. "This is definitely bittersweet. These guys have become some of my best friends. I hope they continue to show me the support they've shown me this week as I continue to show them my support."

Quinones competed against four other first class petty officers; CS1(SW/AW) David Robinson Jr., ET1(SW/AW) Spence Youman, OS1(SW/AW) Norman Smith and MA1(SW/AW) Quincy Williams. The group of Sailors spent most of the week together beginning on Monday with a kick-off breakfast, a tour of the base, group physical training and volunteer activities.

NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW) Chris Green also gave a few remarks during the ceremony. "It's truly an honor to be standing up here next to you guys, and I know you've already sized up your footprints at the Antenna Farm because you're going to be standing up here again in August," he said referring to the possibility of the nominees being selected for chief petty officer later this year.

(From left) Sailor of the Year nominees CS1(SW/AW) David Robinson Jr., ET1(SW/AW) Spence Youman, TM1(SW/AW) Jaime Quinones, OS1(SW/AW) Norman Smith and MA1(SW/AW) Quincy Williams stand with NAS Jacksonville's Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW) Chris Green, Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson and Executive Officer Capt. Chuck Tamblyn at the 2006 Sailor of the Year presentation at the Chief's Club.

Quinones, a Puerto Rican native, moved to America with his Navy family at the age of 10. He graduated from Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Va. and shortly after, attended Navy boot camp in 1993. After completing Torpedoman's Mate "A" school, he reported to his first duty station on board USS Saratoga (CV 60).

His other duty stations include USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), Naval Magazine Pearl Harbor, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and the NAS Jax Weapons Department.

When asked what his proudest career achievement has been, Quinones stated, "getting command advanced to a second class petty officer on board USS Emory S. Land in Virginia. That was an honor, but today is great as well."

Quinones said his greatest mentor throughout his career has been his stepfather, a lieutenant and G-3 division officer on board USS George Washington (CVN-73).

"I got to serve with him on a father-son tour on my first ship and ever since he's mentored me both locally and from afar." For his future career plans, Quinones said, "I have about six years left, and I'm just going to keep studying, finishing my degree and shooting for those khakis."