MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Petty Officer 1st Class Autumn Caluya, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was recently named Sailor of the Year aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Gettysburg. Caluya's mother-in-law lives in Lodi, California.
Caluya graduated from City Charter High School in 2015 and has served in the Navy for 10 years as an interior communications electrician. Additionally, Caluya earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland in 2024.
As USS Gettysburg’s 2025 Sailor of the Year, Caluya led a team of 25 sailors and was responsible for ensuring those sailors were properly trained, qualified and supported to safely operate and maintain the ship’s combat systems.
Caluya redesigned the command’s Sailor 360 training program, creating a comprehensive plan that covered leadership development, mentorship and professional growth for more than 250 junior sailors.
Under Caluya’s leadership, sailors advanced in rank, earned awards and warfare qualifications, reenlisted and completed professional certifications, strengthening the command’s overall readiness.
When asked what the recognition meant, Caluya emphasized humility and responsibility.
“Truth be told, I am not much for receiving recognition or attention,” Caluya said. “I just try to do my job to the best of my abilities and look after my fellow sailors on the deckplates.”
Caluya added that while the recognition was meaningful, it reinforced the work still ahead.
“I am flattered to be recognized as Sailor of the Year, but I know that we as a command, and the Navy at large, have so much more work to accomplish,” Caluya said.
Caluya credited mentorship as a key factor in success.
“I want to give proper credit to my mentors, Master Chief Petty Officer Doug Shook and Chief Fire Controlman Daniel Regan,” Caluya said. “Without them, I would be lost among the stars.”
USS Gettysburg is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and provides air defense, surface warfare and command-and-control capabilities in support of carrier strike groups and independent deployments.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contributions to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on secure undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.
Caluya graduated from City Charter High School in 2015 and has served in the Navy for 10 years as an interior communications electrician. Additionally, Caluya earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland in 2024.
As USS Gettysburg’s 2025 Sailor of the Year, Caluya led a team of 25 sailors and was responsible for ensuring those sailors were properly trained, qualified and supported to safely operate and maintain the ship’s combat systems.
Caluya redesigned the command’s Sailor 360 training program, creating a comprehensive plan that covered leadership development, mentorship and professional growth for more than 250 junior sailors.
Under Caluya’s leadership, sailors advanced in rank, earned awards and warfare qualifications, reenlisted and completed professional certifications, strengthening the command’s overall readiness.
When asked what the recognition meant, Caluya emphasized humility and responsibility.
“Truth be told, I am not much for receiving recognition or attention,” Caluya said. “I just try to do my job to the best of my abilities and look after my fellow sailors on the deckplates.”
Caluya added that while the recognition was meaningful, it reinforced the work still ahead.
“I am flattered to be recognized as Sailor of the Year, but I know that we as a command, and the Navy at large, have so much more work to accomplish,” Caluya said.
Caluya credited mentorship as a key factor in success.
“I want to give proper credit to my mentors, Master Chief Petty Officer Doug Shook and Chief Fire Controlman Daniel Regan,” Caluya said. “Without them, I would be lost among the stars.”
USS Gettysburg is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and provides air defense, surface warfare and command-and-control capabilities in support of carrier strike groups and independent deployments.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contributions to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on secure undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.