The Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA) held a recognition event for the installation’s Sailors of the Year (SOY) at the Chief’s Club, Jan. 28.

Approximately 50 CPOs honored 15 SOYs at the event. This marked the first year the event was held.

“The spirit behind this is we wanted to take one more step to show our first classes, our Sailors of the Year, that we appreciate what they do,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW) Angie Amundson, the CPOA president, of Fleet Readiness Center Northwest. “Also, we wanted to get all of our NAS [Whidbey Island] and tenant command Sailors of the Year together so they can meet each other and start networking like the chiefs network.”

“We want them to know that we do care about them and everything they contribute to the mission,” said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Mike Peach, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet command master chief.

“Our jobs are getting tougher every day, everybody knows that, and this is the CPOA’s chance to say congratulations for everything you’ve [done] to reach where you’re at.”

Announcements for individuals who are progressing to the next echelon of fleet-wide SOY competition were also made.

“It feels good to be here and be recognized. It’s a big honor,” said Naval Air Crewman 1st Class (NAC/AW) Paul Winch, Patrol Squadron 46 and a Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group SOY, who will be advancing to the Commander Naval Air Forces level of competition.

“You can’t do this by yourself; it takes the people that you’re leading that succeed under you and the guidance of the people above you to give you their direction.”

In recognition of their accomplishments, the SOYs were invited into the member’s only lounge of the Chief’s Club for snacks as honorary guests for the day.

The CPOA members felt this was a success and hope to carry on and expand the event in the future.