Last modified Wed., March 04, 2009 - 04:53 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 5, 2009

Hue City Recognizes Its Top Sailors For 2008

From USS Hue City

USS Hue City (CG 66) recently announced its Sailor of the Year, Junior Sailor of the Year, and Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year. Culinary Specialist 1st Class (Surface Warfare) Collier was awarded the title of Sailor of the Year, Fire Controlman 2nd Class (Surface Warfare) Gabrielle Salazar was awarded the title of Junior Sailor of the Year, and Operations Specialist Seaman Marcus Rush was awarded the title of Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year.

Collier was born on Feb. 27, 1971, in nearby Augusta, Georgia, and entered the Navy the summer after graduating high school. He reported on board USS Hue City in May 2004. He is the Leading Petty Officer for the Food Service Division, responsible for 14 junior Culinary Specialists, 16 Food Service Attendants, and the preparation of three hot meals a day for nearly 400 Sailors.

His previous operational commands include USS Merril (DD-976), USS Gary (FFG-51), and USS Thatch (FFG-43) on the Pacific Coast. His shore commands consisted of NTC San Diego at the Food Service Accounting Office and Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, South Carolina.

Collier is the proud father of12 year-old Victor Maurice Collier Jr. Collier has been recognized for his dedication, hard work, and service to Sailors throughout his career.

Salazar was born on Feb. 2, 1984, to Jack Salazar and Lena Baca of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and left for the Navy soon after graduating from Manzano High School in 2002. Upon completion of basic training and 'A' school, she was given the opportunity to further her training by becoming a Mark 86 Fire Control System technician.

She served on USS Cowpens (CG-63), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, from May 2004 to May 2007, where she advanced from Fire Controlman 3rd Class to Fire Controlman 2nd Class and earned the right to wear the Navy's Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin. During her time on board, she completed three consecutive summer deployments in the Indian and North Pacific Ocean and participated in Joint Forces Exercises with the Japanese and Russian Navies.

After serving her three-year tour overseas, Salazar picked orders to USS Hue City. While on board, she has completed a seven-month deployment in the Persian Gulf, has been awarded two Battle Efficiency awards, and was named Hue City's Junior Sailor of the Quarter and finally Junior Sailor of the Year for 2008. Salazar is currently awaiting transfer to Transient Personnel Unit (TPU) Puget Sound, Washington, where she will continue achieving great accomplishments.

Rush was born to William and Wanda Rush on June 20, 1986, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He arrived on board USS Hue City on June 21, 2007. Growing up, some of his hobbies included art and cutting hair. Rush married his high school sweetheart, Lina, on August 7, 2007. They are expecting their first child this May and plan to name her Navaeh Leigh. As Blue Jacket of the Year, Rush is enjoying his time on board USS Hue City and plans to reenlist and attain a Bachelor's Degree in Business in the near future.