Jewett named CNRMA Sailor of the Year

NORFOLK, Va. - Yeoman Petty Officer First Class Elise Jewett was named the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Sailor of the Year during a ceremony at Naval Weapon Station Earle in Colts Neck, New Jersey, Jan. 28th.

Jewett, currently the administrative leading Petty Officer at Norfolk-based Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, recently completed an Individual Augmentee assignment in Iraq. She was acting as Non-commissioned officer in charge of J1 Division for Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component during her eight month deployment.

Jewett was awarded the Sailor of the Year title from a list of five people who were selected as the best of their respective bases. They included Petty Officer 1st Class Juan Caro from Naval Weapon Station Earle, Petty Officer 1st Class Jack Coleman from NAS Oceana, Petty Officer 1st Class James Dobson from NSA Norfolk and Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Rink from Naval Station Norfolk.

Jewett, a Boston native, joined the Navy in 1996. She was admittedly surprised when her name was called as the overall winner. "I had to think for a second to make sure I heard it right," said Jewett. "Then one of my shipmates nudged me in the arm. I didn't realize that the captain was looking at me, expecting me to walk up to the podium."

"The other candidates I was up against were phenomenal individuals and amazing Sailors that I felt deserved it," Jewett said. "I am flattered and humbled. It is nice to be honored."

The Sailor of the Year program recognizes Sailors of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and ashore - who best exemplify the oath of enlistment. The program has continued the same selection process since its inception 38 years ago.