Chief of Navy Reserve Announces the 2024 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year

16 May 2025

From Office of the Chief of Navy Reserve Public Affairs

Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, announced the selection of Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW/IW) Stephanie Y. Ramirez as the 2024 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year (RSOY), in a ceremony, May 16.
Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, announced the selection of Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW/IW) Stephanie Y. Ramirez as the 2024 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year (RSOY), in a ceremony, May 16. 
 
AC1 Ramirez from New York, representing Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and out of Navy Reserve Center Norfolk, was selected from a group of five finalists as the fiscal year 2024’s top Reserve enlisted Sailors during a ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Navy located at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC.
 
The finalists competed for the top honor of Reserve Sailor of the Year during their interview boards held on 14 May 2025 in the Nation’s Capital. During the week, finalists met with senior leadership, toured the Pentagon, the National Mall, the Navy Memorial, the National Archives and enjoyed fellowship with their Shipmates.
 
As a result of AC1 Ramirez’s selection, she will be recommended to the Chief of Naval Personnel for meritorious advancement to the rank of chief petty officer per OPNAVINST 1700.10P, Navy Sailor of the Year Program.
 
The additional 2024 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year finalists were:
  • Electronics Technician 1st Class (IW/SW/AW) Makayla P. Burgan, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
  • Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Daniel A. Garcia, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve 
  • Builder 1st Class (SCW/EXW) Matthew D. Pratt, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command
  • Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (IW/SW/AW) Adam M. Traub, Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve
Leading up to the ceremony, a team of senior enlisted leaders chaired by Reserve Force Master Chief Tracy L. Hunt conducted a rigorous selection process and ultimately made the recommendation for the finalist to Lacore. 
 
According to Hunt, the selection of Ramirez represents dedication to the highest ideals of naval service and serves as an inspiration to Reserve Force Sailors everywhere.
 
“Today’s finalists motivate tomorrow’s Navy talent,” said Hunt. “This year’s board reviewed records spanning thousands of drill hours, deployments, and civilian achievements. The selection of Ramirez is based on her sustained superior performance, community impact and the embodiment of our Navy core values.”
 
Lacore praised the selection of Ramirez and reinforced the urgent mission of the Navy Reserve Force to maintain a posture for warfighting, strengthen the warfighter and accelerate refining the foundation of Navy Reserve leadership at every level.
 
“Reserve Sailors like Ramirez work to maintain civilian careers, family commitments, and military readiness—often with no spotlight on the long nights or missed milestones,” said Lacore. “The dedication, professionalism and commitment of Sailors like AC1 Ramirez are just a few reasons why our Reserve Force is the Strategic Advantage of the world’s most powerful Navy.”
 
After the announcement, the newly minted Reserve Sailor of the Year credited both her leadership and her fellow Sailors with setting her up for success.
 
“If I didn’t have the right mentors and the right guidance, I wouldn’t be here,” said Ramirez, “I also have to credit my Sailors, because they challenge you and you learn from them — and ultimately, they’re the ones who propel you.”
 
Lacore said the Navy Reserve’s future success depends upon the commitment and dedication to mission readiness displayed by each of the Sailors nominated throughout the process.
 
“The five of you represent the best of who we are—you are here not for what you might become—but for what you’ve already proven. You’ve led from the front and driven results in some of the most demanding missions the Navy has to offer,” said Lacore. “Your leadership is visible, trusted, and already shaping the Force. The future of our service is in good hands.”
 
Late Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Jack Whittet initiated the Sailor of the Year program in 1972 to recognize outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors. The program was later expanded to honor the top Shore and Reserve Force Sailors of the Year.
 
For the latest news and updates across the Reserve Force, visit the official Navy Reserve website https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/ and follow the U.S. Navy Reserve on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 
 
Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Acting, Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Admiral Richard S. Lofgren

Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Acting, Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.

 

 
Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Admiral Luke A. Frost

Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.

 

 
Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve/Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet/Vice Commander, Naval Air Forces

Rear Admiral John Saccomando

Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve/Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet/Vice Commander, Naval Air Forces

Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.

 

 
Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Rear Admiral Gregory K. Emery

Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.

 

 
Navy Reserve Force Master Chief

Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios

Navy Reserve Force Master Chief

Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.

 

 
Command Master Chief, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command

Master Chief Robert W. Lyons II

Command Master Chief, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command

Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.


 
Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve

Master Chief Van "Chris" Louvier

Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve

Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.


 

Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson

Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.

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