Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — A West Bend, Wisconsin native and 2014 Roger Williams University graduate was named as U.S. Fleet Forces’ Sea Sailor of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. and meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer, May 16.
Chief Petty Officer Luke Johnson, a Navy builder assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, is one of four honorees who visited 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 some 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 has been being able to share this whole experience with my family,” said Johnson. “Being able to represent my community and all sailors makes this experience so impactful. Interacting with the MCPON has given me foundational tools to take back to my battalion and spread throughout to all sailors.”
Johnson, from West Bend, Wisconsin, graduated from West Bend West High School in 2006. He joined the Navy in January 2007 and reported to Gulfport, Mississippi for Builder "A" School in April 2007. He reported to his first duty station Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Eleven in Gulfport, Mississippi in June 2007. He deployed with Joint Task Force to Iraq in 2009. In March 2010, he deployed to Southern Philippines, attached to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines. He then transferred in 2012 to Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and was assigned as the Facilities Director.
Johnson, from West Bend, Wisconsin, graduated from West Bend West High School in 2006. He joined the Navy in January 2007 and reported to Gulfport, Mississippi for Builder "A" School in April 2007. He reported to his first duty station Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Eleven in Gulfport, Mississippi in June 2007. He deployed with Joint Task Force to Iraq in 2009. In March 2010, he deployed to Southern Philippines, attached to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines. He then transferred in 2012 to Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and was assigned as the Facilities Director.
In July 2015, Johnson arrived to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One where he deployed to Detachment One as an Outstation Leader. In February 2016, he deployed as the Delta Operations Chief to Rota, Spain. In August 2018, he was hand selected as Detail Poland's Assistant Officer-In-Charge in support of Co-operability between the Polish and U.S. Forces. Johnson is designated as Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, Expeditionary Warfare Specialist, and Information Warfare. His awards include the Joint Serves Achievement Medal, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various other awards.
“I think that my work ethic is something I attribute to my hometown, and growing up,” said Johnson. “Serving in the Navy has been a whirlwind, it is not just a job, but a family. Being promoted is an absolute milestone in my career. It is humbling and has increased my focus to give back. I want to be able to give back to all sailors to mentor and be mentored."