Fleet Week Ships' Sailors of the Year Honored at Navy League Luncheon

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) J. C. J. Stokes, USS Wasp Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy League United States Fort Lauderdale Council honored service members during their annual Enlisted Person of the Year luncheon in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 28.

Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen received awards from Rudy Oetting, president NLUS Fort Lauderdale Council, Debbie Ingram, Broward County Navy Days, and guest speaker Command Master Chief Anthony Josey, Expeditionary Strike Group Two.

"I am glad to see many Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard here today," said Josey. "Throughout the history of our Navy, from its birth in 1775 to today, Sailors have been the driving force of our Navy, defending our nation above, on, and below the sea. These fine Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen carry on that proud tradition 200-year-old tradition."

As an example of Sailors being the driving force of the Navy, Josey, mentioned Fleet Forces Sea Sailor of the Year, Wasp's Chief Ship's Serviceman (Sel) (SW/AW) Angela Zamora.

"Out of approximately 266,000 Sailors only four were chosen as the best of the best in our Navy, and it is my pleasure to have her here at this luncheon with us today," said Josey.

Zamora, a native of Ecuador, came to America when she was 15 and she could not speak English. She enlisted in the Navy and is the first ship's serviceman selected as Fleet Forces Sea Sailor of the Year.

"It is an honor to be here," said Zamora. "It really touched me when I received a standing ovation, it was a little overwhelming. When people came to congratulate me and thank me for my service, all I could say was no thank you, because it was you all whose shoulders I stand on."

According to Oetting, a former Marine, it's a matter of patriotism.

"I'm not a flag waver, but I've served my country like my father did in WWI. Being a part of the Navy League is a way for me to give back to the Navy and the men and women in uniform. This is why we do the luncheon, to show our appreciation for enlisted service members while they are here for fleet week because they are the workers. Thank you all for being here and serving our country. Semper Fi," he said.

With over 600 members, NLUS Fort Lauderdale Council has been serving Fort Lauderdale by providing a unit for the local Sea Cadets, raising awareness about the Navy and its benefits, and helping Sailors and Marines feel at home when they are away from their families.

Wasp is in Port Everglades April 25-30 as part of Fleet Week, which this year commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial. Overall, there are about 3,000 Sailors and Marines and six ships in attendance. The War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration is part of a series of city visits by the Navy that take place over the next three years. The commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who have served in our nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.