CNO Names 2006 Shore Sailor of the Year

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CNO Names 2006 Shore Sailor of the Year
Story Number: NNS060526-19
Release Date: 5/26/2006 1:22:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Brandan W. Schulze, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen named Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF/DV) Jeromy M. Cronin the 2006 CNO Shore Sailor of the Year during a ceremony at the Pentagon, May 25.

Cronin was chosen from among four nominees and will return to the Pentagon in July to be meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer along with the Pacific Fleet, Atlantic Fleet and Reserve Force Sailors of the Year.

The other three nominees for the award were: Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (DSW) Timothy C. Roff (U.S. Pacific Fleet); Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Shawn L. Klien (Vice Chief of Naval Operations); and Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Earl Watson (U.S. Fleet Forces Command). Cronin’s nominating command was Naval Education and Training Command.

Before the announcement, Mullen reflected on the history of the Sailor of the Year ceremony and the importance of distinguishing great Sailors throughout commands around the world.

The CNO continued by challenging all four Sailors.

“From this moment forward, and certainly when you get to the point when you are wearing khaki, my number one challenge to you is leadership,” he said.

He related his top three priorities: sustaining combat readiness, building the fleet, and developing future leaders as part of that challenge saying, “How you carry those out is an important part of your leadership.”

Concluding his remarks, he said, “It is a noble profession in which we serve. To you and your families we are grateful.”

Upon receiving the honor from the CNO, Cronin thanked and recognized his wife’s sacrifice and commitment over their last 12 years of marriage, and also expressed his gratitude toward the many Sailors he works with.

Cronin began his speech by recognizing the Sailors he competed against for the top honor, as well as the CNO, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), commanding officers, and command master chiefs in attendance.

“In my 13 years, I never thought I would be standing in the Pentagon courtyard among such great Sailors,” Cronin said.

During his speech, Cronin spoke about the experiences throughout his career and what has continued to be of utmost importance to him.

“Everything we do, what we’ve done, or where we have been – we’re Sailors first and foremost.”

When asked by the CNO what Cronin thought brought him to the position he was in today, he said, “I didn’t set out to become 2006 CNO Shore Sailors of the Year. It’s just something that happened. You go about your day-to-day business and do the best that you can do.”

A native of Tucson, Ariz., Cronin was nominated for the CNO Shore Sailor of the Year honor by Naval Education and Training Command and currently serves as a high-risk instructor at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla.

“To get to where they are today, it’s not just their actions in the last year. From the very beginning of their respective careers, these Sailors have distinguished themselves among their peers. It is tremendously rewarding to have Sailors like this honor us by sacrificing so much to do such great service. With Sailors like these coming up through the ranks, the future of our Navy and our nation is going to be in absolutely wonderful hands,” said MCPON (SS/AW) Terry Scott, who hosted the week's events.

Adm. Elmo Zumwalt initiated the Sailor of the Year program in 1972 to recognize the outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors. The following year, the Shore Sailor of the Year program was introduced. Sponsored by the Chief of Naval Operations, the program provides recognition to the Navy’s outstanding Sailors through numerous presentations, awards, and meritorious advancement to the next pay grade.

For related news, visit the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.

060525-N-0962S-149Washington, D.C. (May 25, 2006) - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jeromy M. Cronin delivers his remarks after being announced by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen as the 2006 CNO Shore Sailor of the Year. Other nominees included: Master-at-Arms 1st Class Shawn L. Klein, assigned to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Timothy C. Roff, assigned to U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Machinist's Mate 1st Class Earl Watson. Cronin will return in July to be meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer, along with Sailors of the Year from Pacific Fleet, Atlantic Fleet, and Navy Reserve Force. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Brandan W. Schulze (RELEASED)
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060525-N-0962S-185Washington, D.C. (May 25, 2006) - The nominees for the 2006 Chief of Naval Operations Shore Sailor of the Year pose for a photo following the announcement ceremony. From left to right the finalists were: Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Timothy C. Roff, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jeromy M. Cronin, Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Shawn L. Klein, and Machinist's Mate 1st Class Earl Watson. Petty Officer Cronin was announced as the 2006 CNO Shore Sailor of the Year and will return in July to be meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Brandan W. Schulze (RELEASED)


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