Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelsey Culbertson | NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 18, 2024) - Utilitiesman 1st Class Joe...... read more read more
NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (Apr. 29, 2024) – A Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Public Works Department (PWD) Sailor was recently awarded the 2023 Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe Africa Central (NAVFAC EURAFCENT) Shore Sailor of the Year.
According to the announcement, Utilitiesman 1st Class Joe Hubbard IV ‘displayed flawless leadership by directing 56 military and host nation employees from the utilities energy management [UEM] branch in maintaining the $125M utility infrastructure, providing the installation high voltage power, water and waste water treatment supporting 332 CNIC facilities in executing Sixth Fleet Line of Efforts, while serving as UEM branch leading petty officer for Public Works Department Sigonella, Italy, from October 2022 to September 2023.’
“I am extremely proud of UT1 Hubbard, who embodies the principals and ideals of being a U.S. Navy Sailor,” said Capt. Rafael Miranda, commanding officer, NAVFAC EURAFCENT. “UT1 Hubbard performs at the highest levels and galvanizes those who work with him and around him. We are all honored to serve alongside this high performing Seabee, this leader who exudes the character and the competence to build the culture of excellence we strive for in our Navy.”
The NAVFAC Sailor for the Year (SOY) program recognizes Sailors who best represent the NAVFAC professional community, at large. According to the announcement, SOY candidates generally have a ‘history of sustained superior performance, command impact, mission contribution, proven leadership, dedication to self-improvement, outstanding professionalism and superior personal appearance. They epitomize the characteristics of a first class petty officer and Navy core values and show the ability to lead as a chief petty officer.’
Hubbard joined the Navy Reserve in February 2011, then transitioned to active duty six years ago.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be in the military,” said Hubbard. “When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to be a part of the ‘World’s Greatest Navy.’”
Hubbard has been assigned to NAS Sigonella’s PWD department for two years. He began his tenure as the leading petty officer and assistant branch head for the UEM branch. He is currently PWD’s pay and personnel administrator.
While at UEM, Hubbard personally mentored and trained 42 military personnel and 28 local national employees in order to sustain operations and the resiliency of high voltage power, water and wastewater treatment. While every base has a UEM, Sigonella is the only base in the EURAFCENT region where Seabees and local national personnel work side by side in maintaining, producing, and repairing the water, wastewater treatment and high voltage systems.
“Our Seabees work 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Hubbard. “The reason I won Sailor of the Year is due to the efforts of my amazing team.”
His leadership resulted in 16 advancements to the next paygrade, four Blue Jacket of the Quarter awards, two Junior Sailor of the Quarter awards, 11 Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals, 13 special recognition coins, and six United Services Military Apprenticeship Program certifications.
Hubbard says his greatest achievement while at NAS Sigonella was when he mentored a fellow Seabee through the SOY process, Construction Electrician 2nd Class Carmen Lambaren, NAVFAC Atlantic Junior Sailor of the Year.
“We worked together as leaders in our department,” said Hubbard. “For us to both win Sailor of the Year was truly a reflection of how well our team’s efforts lead to major accomplishments.”
“UT1 Hubbard has been a great mentor to me,” said Lambaren. “UT1 is an approachable person that is always willing to help. UT1 helped me come out of my comfort zone by encouraging me to take on more responsibilities - to become a greater mentor and leader.”
Hubbard’s advice to future SOY candidates is to always put their team’s needs before their own and build strong connections.
“Sharing, practice and preparation sets the right climate for future success,” said Hubbard.
Naval Air Station Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.
For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassigonella/.
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2024 04:28 |
| Story ID: | 469481 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Web Views: | 335 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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