SAN DIEGO –
Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, recognized 41 civilian employers and guests representing companies from across the nation for their exceptional support of Navy Reserve Sailors during the Navy Reserve's annual Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) June 12, 2025.
The annual event recognizes employers who provide outstanding support to Navy Reserve Sailors who work for their organizations in a civilian capacity. The all-day event included a tour of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), static displays of aircraft and facilities and a presentation by representatives from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
"Reserve Sailors live and work in two worlds," said Lacore, addressing the assembly of employers and participants during the event's opening ceremony. "They serve in uniform, and they serve your organizations. And they do both incredibly well. But they don’t do it alone. They can’t. It only works when they have the backing of employers like you.”
Visiting executives from various employer organizations had the opportunity to experience a live demonstration from the Navy Marine Mammal Program, view an aircraft static display from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR-57) and observe a demonstration with the military working dogs from the Naval Base San Diego Security Department.
Employers and participants also met with Navy special warfare operators from SEAL Team 17 and enjoyed lunch at the Island Club provided by the ESGR.
NERE provides an opportunity for employers to get better acquainted with the military commitments of their employees who are members of the Navy Reserve, providing a deeper understanding of the importance of employer support to Navy warfighting readiness.
“It’s an incredible honor to be here,” said Alka Bhave, representing digital services company Fearless Solutions, LLC. “To see all of this with our own eyes — the equipment, the technology and the mission — is incredible. We are honored to be an employer in support of the Navy Reserve.”
The event also provides Navy Reserve Sailors an opportunity to thank their employers for supporting them and their families before, during and after mobilizations or deployments.
The day’s events concluded at the World Famous I-Bar, where Lacore took another opportunity to show appreciation for the gathering of supportive employers.
“You are not bystanders to this mission, You are partners in it,” said Lacore. “The time, trust, and flexibility you offer to your Sailors are acts of leadership—and of service. And they help keep this force, and this nation, strong.”
For more information on how Navy Selected Reserve Sailors can recognize their civilian employers, visit the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) webpage. ESGR is a DoD program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities. Navy Selected Reserve Sailors can also nominate their civilian employers for a Patriot award at: https://www.esgr.mil/