WASHINGTON, D.C. –
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.