PENSACOLA, Fla. – A 2003 graduate of Alexander Central High School and Alexander, New York native was announced as a 2019 Sailor of the Year (SOY) finalist for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) at a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Jan. 23.
Builder 1st Class Ryan J. Laney is an instructor supervisor and leading petty officer for Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport, Mississippi, where he led and managed 37 Navy, Army and Air Force instructors in the delivery of builder initial skills training construction fundamentals to over 1,200 students from all three services. He prepared them to transition into their first assignments in the naval construction force, including Army and Air Force engineers.
Laney was one of seven Sailors who competed for the title of NETC SOY, representing the top achievers from a pool of more than 8,000 military members in MyNavy HR Force Development that spans recruiting and training Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his achievements.
“Serving in my position has allowed me to continuously engage in our future leaders by understanding and connecting with their passions, thoughts, goals and ideas throughout their time at the builder schoolhouse,” said Laney. “This has given me the opportunity to shape the future of the builder rating to produce better-trained Seabees.”
Laney is part of the team that takes Sailors from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters, as well as providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
“We take great pride in creating a well-rounded Sailor, preparing them with the personal, professional and technical fundamentals necessary to make a positive impact on any mission they may encounter throughout their career,” sais Laney. “The honor and pride displayed by these individuals on their graduation day is a memorable experience and a testament of their hard work.”
NETC Commander Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad congratulated the finalists for their roles in developing the Navy’s future force and for their contributions to the Force Development mission.
“As we recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals, it is also fitting to reflect upon the critical role each of them plays in support of fleet readiness,” said Cozad. “Your hard work and professionalism produce the best Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. I truly appreciate your personal commitment in meeting the continuous and evolving needs of our Navy and Marine Corps team.”
Laney earned an Associate of Arts, Construction Technology from Coastline Community College and a Bachelor of Science, Occupational Safety and Health, Columbia Southern University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science, Occupational Safety and Health, Columbia Southern University.
Laney is also qualified as a master training specialist, which is a designation for demonstrating highly effective teaching skills and a comprehensive understanding of schoolhouse management, as well as for taking a leadership role in mentoring, instructing and evaluating instructors and curriculum.
The NETC SOY program recognize Sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit attributes, such as sustained superior performance, leadership, mentorship, knowledge and teaching of military history and heritage, self-improvement, command and community involvement, and exemplary military bearing.
“These outstanding Sailors and Marines were selected from an extremely talented field of candidates who epitomize the honor, courage, and commitment of military personnel throughout MyNavy HR Force Development,” said NETC Force Master Chief Karim Cole.
Laney was one of seven Sailors who competed for the title of NETC SOY, representing the top achievers from a pool of more than 8,000 military members in MyNavy HR Force Development that spans recruiting and training Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his achievements.
“Serving in my position has allowed me to continuously engage in our future leaders by understanding and connecting with their passions, thoughts, goals and ideas throughout their time at the builder schoolhouse,” said Laney. “This has given me the opportunity to shape the future of the builder rating to produce better-trained Seabees.”
Laney is part of the team that takes Sailors from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters, as well as providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
“We take great pride in creating a well-rounded Sailor, preparing them with the personal, professional and technical fundamentals necessary to make a positive impact on any mission they may encounter throughout their career,” sais Laney. “The honor and pride displayed by these individuals on their graduation day is a memorable experience and a testament of their hard work.”
NETC Commander Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad congratulated the finalists for their roles in developing the Navy’s future force and for their contributions to the Force Development mission.
“As we recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals, it is also fitting to reflect upon the critical role each of them plays in support of fleet readiness,” said Cozad. “Your hard work and professionalism produce the best Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. I truly appreciate your personal commitment in meeting the continuous and evolving needs of our Navy and Marine Corps team.”
Laney earned an Associate of Arts, Construction Technology from Coastline Community College and a Bachelor of Science, Occupational Safety and Health, Columbia Southern University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science, Occupational Safety and Health, Columbia Southern University.
Laney is also qualified as a master training specialist, which is a designation for demonstrating highly effective teaching skills and a comprehensive understanding of schoolhouse management, as well as for taking a leadership role in mentoring, instructing and evaluating instructors and curriculum.
The NETC SOY program recognize Sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit attributes, such as sustained superior performance, leadership, mentorship, knowledge and teaching of military history and heritage, self-improvement, command and community involvement, and exemplary military bearing.
“These outstanding Sailors and Marines were selected from an extremely talented field of candidates who epitomize the honor, courage, and commitment of military personnel throughout MyNavy HR Force Development,” said NETC Force Master Chief Karim Cole.
For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao.