Last modified Thu., April 05, 2007 - 12:31 PM
Originally created Thursday, April 5, 2007

NAVAIRLANT Picks FRC Sailor

By CWO3 S. D. Waldrop, FRC-SE

- Photo courtesy of FRC-SE
Aviation structural Mechanic 1st Class (AW/SW) Michael S. Gilmore of FRC-SE Mayport and Command Master Cheif (SS) S.G. Lemon of CHSMWL display the COMNAVAIRLANT award presented during the March 16 ceremony.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class (AW/SW) Michael S. Gilmore, an aviation structural mechanic from FRC SE Mayport representing Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, was selected as FY-07 Shore Sailor of the Year for COMNAVAIRLANT.

The announcement was made following a ceremony on March 16, in Norfolk, Va. hosted by Rear Adm. H. Denby Starling. Gilmore will move on to the Fleet Forces Command Sailor of the Year program April 16. Gilmore was selected as one of five COMNAVAIRLANT finalists and traveled to Norfolk, Va. for a week-long event. A panel consisting of five master chief petty officers thoroughly reviewed each candidate's package and conducted an intense selection board during the event.

His competition for this award, all of who were selected as Sailor of the Year within their respective commands, are the "best of the best." Gilmore's awards include: six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, five Good Conduct Medals, and various campaign and unit awards.

His previous duty stations include the USS Puget Sound, USS Emory S. Land, NRD Jacksonville, USS John F. Kennedy and he is now the leading petty officer for the Aircraft and Quality Support Divisions at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, Mayport.

"I am extremely proud of Gilmore's selection as CHSMWL Sailor of the Year," said Edwin Bowers, FRC SE Mayport command master chief. "He represents all of the qualities of a top enlisted Sailor - perhaps the best testament to his success is having served in three distinct communities, Surface, Recruiting, and now in Aviation. He embodies the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment in everything he does. I am certain that Petty Officer Gilmore's selection is a sign of future accomplishments for this outstanding Sailor who will be leading our troops into the 21st century."

He earned an Associates Degree from Central Texas College while on sea duty. He has devoted numerous off duty hours working with the Adopt-A-School program at Neptune Beach Elementary and spearheaded the completion of 15 projects throughout the City of Jacksonville and surrounding communities.