By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NAPLES, Italy - Petty Officer 1st Class Bryan Tully, a native of Sanford, Florida, was named Sailor of the Quarter serving with Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Naples, Italy.
Sailor of the Quarter is awarded to a sailor who exemplifies outstanding leadership and superior performance by going above and beyond their assigned job.
Tully is a Navy logistics specialist responsible for financial auditing and accounting, inventory management, transportation and warehousing. Other key areas include crane and forklift operations, planning and development of personnel and programs along with contracting.
"Getting the right support, to the right place and at the right time, is the nature of a logistics specialist," said Tully.
NCTS Naples provides secure, reliable and timely voice, video and data services to several U.S. Navy commands including U.S. Sixth Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, joint, allied and coalition customers. It's comprised of approximately 20 officers, 325 enlisted personnel and 40 civilians.
"I enjoy the collaboration with foreign military units and the ability to learn well beyond my rate and warfare area," said Tully. "So far, the most opportunities for development have come from serving in the EUCOM-AFRICOM AOR."
Tully, a 2010 Winter Springs High School graduate, joined the Navy eight years ago because naval service runs in his family.
"My father enlisted in 1976 and retired in 1996," said Tully. "He fought through Desert Storm/Desert Shield. I decided after my freshman year at Morgan State to enlist and follow in his footsteps. The deciding factor were my attempts at joining the SPECWAR community and desire to become an operator."
According to Tully, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sanford.
"Perseverance and discipline have shaped my foundation during service," said Tully. "I had these traits as a young boy but I feel it has been re-defined from a military lens. The idea of operating without any family obligations or responsibilities has allowed me to thrive."
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Tully is most proud of advancing to first class in six years, training with active and retired special forces from other branches via VBSS and SRF and qualifying in warfare areas that are different from his own.
"These include watchstanding duties in CIC, flight and boat deck operations and advanced weapons and team tactics," said Tully. "Secondary accomplishments include winning Sailor of the Quarter or Sailor of the Year in every command, and rewarding my junior personnel with rank or awards."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Tully, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
"It means being apart of an exclusive brotherhood that has stood the testament of time," said Tully. "It means being a part of an organization built by an extraordinary group of people who understand purpose of protecting our home, by any means necessary."
"I have learned all matters of logistics, intelligence, weapons and operations," added Tully. "Most important lesson came from leading teams of people to accomplish tasks and employ emotional intelligence when tackling a variety of personalities and traits."
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet continue their missions of conducting maritime operations in Europe and Africa. Forces stand ready throughout the two theaters, and command leadership remains committed to taking every measure possible to protect the health of forces, as well as local residents. Warships, submarines, and aircraft continue their patrols to deter and defend against threats to U.S., NATO and partner nations.