MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Melony Marcotte, a Fernley, Nevada, native serving with Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Kilo, was recently named a finalist for 2024 Senior Sailor of the Year for Naval Medical Forces Atlantic.
Marcotte was also named Senior Sailor of the Year for EMF-Kilo and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Lejeune.
The Senior Sailor of the Year award is a prestigious honor given to senior enlisted sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, exceptional leadership and unwavering professionalism.
Marcotte is a 2012 graduate of Fernley High School. Additionally, Marcotte earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Arizona State University in 2025 and was recently accepted into a master’s program to study forensics at Arizona State.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fernley.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned the value of hard work, humility and looking out for your people,” Marcotte said. “Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my Navy career. No matter where I go or what rank I hold, I always remember to stay grounded, earn respect through action and take care of those around me.”
Marcotte has served in the Navy for 12 years.
“I joined the Navy because I was inspired by my brother, who was a Marine,” Marcotte said. “I originally wanted to follow in his footsteps, but I also had a strong passion for medicine. The Navy gave me the opportunity to serve in a war-fighting capacity while also pursuing a meaningful medical career as a hospital corpsman alongside the Marines. It was the best of both worlds.”
Today, Marcotte serves as a hospital corpsman and is Fleet Marine Force (FMF) qualified for both ground and aviation combat elements.
“What I like best about my job is my sailors,” Marcotte said. “Watching them grow, gain confidence, and overcome challenges is incredibly rewarding. Knowing I’ve had a part in their development, whether through mentorship, support, or just leading by example, is what makes this job meaningful.”
EMF-Kilo is comprised of more than 400 personnel including medical providers, security managers and food service personnel. The command essentially functions as a Role 3 hospital, able to perform similar health care facility functions wherever EMF-Kilo is set up. EMF-Kilo is a subordinate unit of NMRTC Camp Lejeune, which carries out its mission to maximize warfighter performance and enhance the readiness of the medical force.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Marcotte has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been being named Senior Sailor of the Year for both EMF-Kilo and NMRTC Camp Lejeune, and now being nominated for Naval Medical Forces Atlantic Senior Sailor of the Year,” Marcotte said. “These recognitions reflect not just my dedication and growth, but the mentorship I’ve received and the impact I’ve been able to have on my sailors and my command.”
Marcotte serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than myself,” Marcotte said. “It’s about service, sacrifice and purpose. I get to make a difference, whether it’s caring for sailors, mentoring junior personnel or supporting the mission. It’s an honor to wear the uniform and represent the values we stand for every day.”