By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Lee-Pruitt, a native of Manhattan, New York, was named Senior Sailor of the Quarter, fourth quarter, at U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Sigonella, Italy.
Lee-Pruitt joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Lee-Pruitt serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world, meet new people and continue my studies,” said Lee-Pruitt.
Lee-Pruitt said being a culinary specialist is a thankless, but rewarding job that teaches resilience, adding that it brings everyone together during rough times.
“I enjoy talking to people and getting to learn more about them and their culture,” said Lee-Pruitt.
Lee-Pruitt also serves as the directorate leading petty officer for the Directorate of Nursing Services, leading petty officer for the Operations Management Department, president of the Diversity Committee, Assistant Command Equal Opportunity Manager, and vice president of the First Class Petty Officer’s Association.
“The collaterals that I do bring a smile to people’s faces and it also keeps me connected to my primary career path, which is food,” said Lee-Pruitt. “I love cooking and love to see people enjoy my cooking. I love to learn new things as well so that I am able to guide sailors better.”
Senior Sailor of the Quarter is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-6. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.
“Being named Sailor of the Quarter means my work didn’t go unnoticed,” said Lee-Pruitt. “It’s important for sailors to know that what we do matters and that what we’re doing is being noticed by our leadership. I’m proud to be a role model for my junior sailors and help them reach their goals both professionally and personally.”
U.S. NMRTC Sigonella / Naval Hospital Sigonella is a community hospital located in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily, Italy. Comprised of a local satellite clinic and two branch health clinics located in Bahrain and Souda Bay, U.S. NMRTC Sigonella’s staff of 387 serves approximately 8,500 active duty, family members, NATO members, retirees and other beneficiaries based on international collaborations and status of forces agreements.
Lee-Pruitt is an inspiration to other sailors at NMRTC Sigonella, according to Lt. Julius Wiseman III, head of NMRTC’s Human Resources Department and the Command Diversity Officer.
“Petty Officer Lee-Pruitt stands unequivocally as the preeminent First Class Petty Officer under my charge,” said Wiseman.
Wiseman said Lee-Pruitt demonstrated an exceptional capacity for leadership, balancing the leadership of five culinary specialists with their additional roles within nursing services and the hospital’s support infrastructure. Wiseman said Lee-Pruitt’s oversight has been pivotal in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the Multi-Service Ward, where Lee-Pruitt guided 18 cadre of professionals, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and operational excellence.
“Her ability to manage such diverse roles with precision and care underscores her multifaceted expertise and capacity for strategic oversight,” said Wiseman. “Her leadership acumen, significant command impact as Assistant CMEO, unwavering commitment to mission success, and relentless dedication to personal and professional development distinguish her unequivocally from her peers. She consistently exceeds all expectations, performing with a level of professionalism that not only inspires her fellow sailors but also elevates the overall readiness and effectiveness of the command.”
Lee-Pruitt aims to earn a commission in the United States Navy Medical Service Corps, with the goal of serving as a healthcare administrator, Wiseman said.
“She exemplifies the ideals of Naval Excellence and serves as an inspiring role model for those considering a career in the United States Navy,” said Wiseman.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Lee-Pruitt serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Lee-Pruitt has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of seeing my sailors advance and learn to love their job even in tough times,” said Lee-Pruitt. “I’m also proud of making rank fast and proving to myself that if you want something, you work hard for it and get it.”
Lee-Pruitt can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, serving in the Navy means helping people see themselves in a better light and being there for people during tough times,” said Lee-Pruitt.