GREAT LAKES, Ill. - Seaman Recruit Krystyn Phillips, a 2017 Stony Brook (New York) University graduate with an associate degree in criminal justice and bachelor’s degree in political science, and Port Jefferson Station, New York, native graduated as top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, Division, 299, earning the Military Excellence Award.
Phillips, 24, said she was humbled to earn the MEA.
“Having a quiet personality, I never thought I would be the one to be given the spotlight,” Phillips said. “It’s quite a difference to be standing in the light when I’m so used to holding the light and shining it for others. This award has made me realize that even when I think no one is watching me, nonetheless, my actions, behaviors, and character are always being be observed and appreciated.”
The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the No. 1 recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award placed him at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors; she was awarded a flag letter of commendation for her achievements.
Phillips said she joined the Navy with the goal of attaining a law degree and serving as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
“As a young African-American woman, I have always felt that enlisting first in the U.S. Navy was the primary step in launching the beginning of a successful and fulfilling career in government.”
Phillips said she is anxious to embrace the opportunities provided by the Navy.
“I thrive in an environment that holds high standards of discipline, has an atmosphere of professionalism, and requires unparalleled commitment,” Phillips said. “I joined to make connections, to take advantage of the endless opportunities, and one day become a leader who combines all the core values of honor, courage, and commitment that will further mold me into a contributing member of society. I will hone the abilities I possess while gaining new talents and skills to apply as I continue my journey in serving my country.”
Phillips credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Master Chief Aviation Maintenance Michael Westgate, Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Yesenia Hernandez and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Adam Gonzales with providing motivation.
“I must credit Master Chief Westgate with having the most impact on my RTC experience,” Phillips said. “He was thoughtful, careful with his words, corrective when needed, and patient when the time called for it. Mostly he was fair. Watching how he treated us recruits was inspiration enough. Knowing that we were treated as future Sailors made me realize I made the right decision and drove me to accomplish all that I did here.”
Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. About 38,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.
Phillips is assigned the rate of Gunner’s Mate. After graduation, Phillips will attend Gunner’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes.
Gunner's Mates are responsible for the operation and maintenance of guided missile launching systems, underwater explosive weapons such as torpedoes, rockets and missiles, and the systems used to launch them, gun mounts and other ordnance equipment as well as small arms magazines. They work with electrical and electronic circuitry: mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc/.