Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) recently announced its Sailors of the Quarter for the Third quarter fiscal year 2014. This awards program is designed to give recognition to the top performing Sailors at various levels of enlisted service. The Sailor of the Quarter is the top performing first class petty officer. The Junior Sailor of the Quarter is the best performing second class petty officer. Lastly, the Blue Jacket of the Quarter is the most impressive Sailor in the junior ranks.
Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Dennisha Jones, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Adam Harless, and Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Darren Williams have been respectively recognized as the Sailor, Junior Sailor, and Blue Jacket of the Quarter. These sailors are being recognized for outstanding performance while on duty and through their involvement within the community.
Jones is currently serving as Facility Watch Supervisor for NASWF. In addition, Jones is the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Point of Contact as well as a SAPR Victim Advocate, and the Divisional Enterprise Safety Applications Management System (ESAMS) Supervisor. These duties have allowed for 16,000 flight operations and 11,000 flight plans and flight information messages in support of Training Air Wing FIVE mission readiness. She has also provided mandatory training to 76 Sailors in support of the Navy’s goal to raise awareness and prevent sexual assault.
Jones’ department head Robert Asmus said “Petty Officer Jones’ superior performance and initiative distinguishes her from her peers. She is an enthusiastic leader and exhibits the finest qualities of leadership, personal growth, and versatility.”
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Adam Harless is a Departmental Supply Petty Officer, Minor Property Custodian, and HAZMAT Coordinator. He is responsible for the management, logistics, inventory and procurement of supplies in support of 9 active Naval Outlying Landing Fields totaling $480,109.63. Additionally, he is an active member of the NAS Whiting Field’s Color Guard Team and has performed at two Change of Command ceremonies, one retirement ceremony and the City of Milton, Florida Memorial Day ceremony. As an ARFF Chief, he trained, supervised and managed three ARFF crewmembers in all aspects of aircraft firefighting and rescue procedures to support Training Air Wing FIVE and SIX, the Joint Strike Fighter and other aircraft operations.
LT Kenyatto Mayes, crash officer, praised Harless’ superior performance in his nomination statement by saying “Petty Officer Harless is an exceptional deckplate leader and technical expert! He is without a doubt, my number one nominee for Junior Sailor of the Quarter.”
Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Darren Williams is a very involved junior Sailor. Williams’s present duties are Naval Outlying Landing Field Choctaw Facility Watch Supervisor, Local Controller, and Training Petty Officer. He is also the Mail Petty Officer. As Facility Watch Supervisor, a position normally held by First Class Petty Officer, he was responsible for the safe and expeditious handling of 8,370 T-6 and JSF aircraft operations at NOLF Choctaw. As the Training Petty Officer for six air traffic controllers and oversaw and coordinated the crew’s weekly training plan, consisting of professional and general military training lessons and on-the-job training of Air Controllers. Additionally he dedicated 36 hours serving as the Junior Enlisted Association’s Master-at-Arms. In this position he fostered unit cohesion and helped maintain good order and discipline during three association events.
Robert Asmus, operations department head said, “AC3 Williams is a top-notch Sailor who exemplifies the highest standards in military bearing and personal appearance. His unwavering dedication to the Navy’s core values has set the highest standards for juniors and peers to follow.”
NAS Whiting Field Executive Officer Cmdr. Greggory Gray stated "It's always difficult to select Sailors of the Quarter from the terrific pool of quality Sailors we have at NAS Whiting Field. These three Sailors were truly outstanding, and I am impressed with their professionalism and dedication. Congratulations to those selected and to all the other candidates recommended for the award this quarter."
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: NASWF Names Sailors of the Quarter