Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — An Bluefields, Nicaragua born, Bronx, New York, sailor was meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer as the U.S. Navy Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 16.
Chief Petty Officer Sindy Johnson, a Navy logistics specialist assigned to Fleet Readiness Center South West, is one of four honorees who returned to Washington, D.C., May 14-17, for the SOY Recognition Week, hosted by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith.
Each year, every Navy command around the world chooses its SOY based on leadership, professionalism, dedication and superior performance. These selectees compete against recipients from other commands, eventually competing at higher echelons until the Navy's four finest are chosen as the U.S. Naval Reserve, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy Shore and U.S. Fleet Forces Sailors of the Year.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and MCPON John Whittet initiated the SOY program in 1972 to recognize outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet sailors. Navy Reserve and Shore SOY programs were later introduced.
During the ceremony, Smith gave the Sailors of the Year advice to keep in mind as they continue their careers as chief petty officers.
"Everyone who has ever written a letter for you, made a phone call for you, sat down and gave you advice, took time out of their day – making their day longer – to help you get to this point in your career is the reason you’re standing here," said Smith. "Your special obligation for the rest of your career and the remainder of the time you wear those anchors is to earn this."
Throughout the week these four sailors and their families had the opportunity to tour Mount Vernon, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Museums, among many other leadership, naval heritage, and team-building events.
“The most memorable moment during this week so far, was visiting Mount Vernon and learning about President Washington and his love and dedication to our country,” said Johnson. “We learned where he came from, the struggles he faced as an Army officer, as commander in chief and that his purpose was bigger than himself. I learned that he was a humble, servant leader and that he had passion for his Navy. I learned that no matter how far we go in life, if we do not stay humble, our impact on people might not be as impactful.”
Chief Petty Officer Sindy M. Johnson was born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, on Sept. 8, 1986 and moved to the Bronx, New York, on Dec. 15, 2001, where she attended the High School of World Cultures. After graduating in June of 2004, Johnson enlisted in the Navy and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Johnson joined the Navy as an undesignated seaman apprentice, but always knew she wanted to be a storekeeper. In October 2004, she graduated boot camp and was meritoriously advanced to the rank of E-3 for her outstanding duties as master-at-arms.
Johnson's first command was USS Emory S. Land in La Maddalena, Italy. She was selected Blue Jacket of the Year in 2005 and was promoted to petty officer third class. From the winter of 2004 to the summer of 2007, Johnson completed three work-up cycles and two deployments in support of humanitarian operations in Africa.
In the summer of 2007, her ship completed a homeport change from Italy to Washington State. At this time she joined the stock control team as the suspense manager and was promoted to petty officer second class in November 2007.
In April 2008, she transferred to Naval Base Kitsap. After a successful year at Naval Base Kitsap, she was handpicked to fill a gapped billet at Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) as the assistant staff supply officer. She managed the finances for staff operations and was selected as Junior Sailor of the Year in 2011.
Johnson detached from COMSUBPAC and arrived in San Diego at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Three (HSM 73) in June of 2012. Upon her arrival, she promoted to petty officer first class and became the leading petty officer of the Material Control Division. Johnson completed work-up cycles and a ten-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. She then transferred to FRCSW in September 2016 and became the Fleet Training LPO. Currently, Petty Officer Johnson works as an executive department acting leading chief petty officer and fleet training LPO.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned that I should not take opportunities for granted. I learned that I control to get where I want to go in life; I learned that there are many opportunities to excel in life,” said Johnson. “Serving in the Navy has been my greatest honor; especially coming from a third world country. The Navy has given me the opportunity to become an independent woman, to have control of my life and where I want to go in life. The Navy has allowed me to know that I am a leader and that I have endless potential.”
Her personal awards include eight Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, two Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals, two Overseas Service Medals and three Sea Service Medals. Chief Petty Officer Johnson also became a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University in 2014.
“Now that I have become a chief petty officer, I want to be that chief that junior sailors see and think ‘I want to be a chief some day,’" added Johnson. "I saw that when I was a young seaman and my goal since then has been to be a Navy chief petty officer. I have never wanted anything so bad in my life, this is the impact I want to have as a chief.”