Logistics Specialist 1st Class Sindy Johnson delivers remarks after being announced the Fiscal Year 2018 Navy Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY). Johnson opened her remarks by applauding fellow Sailors who were also recognized as finalists for the program. She later spoke about her family’s journey from Nicaragua that led to her proudly serving in the U.S. Navy. She thanked her father for his sacrifices, which included his return to their home country in order for her family to sustain a new life in the United States.
Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) have selected Logistics Specialist 1st Class Sindy Johnson as their 2018 Sailor of the Year (SOY). Johnson is stationed at the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest at Naval Air Station North Island.
FRCSW named Johnson as its SOY in October, and COMFRC followed one month later.
“I was humbled by the selections,” she said. “I wanted to get that far and keep going. It almost seemed like a dream, like `I’m shooting for this, but I don’t know if I’m ever going to get there.’
“The leadership here has trusted me in letting me take over the assignments I wanted and volunteered for. I’m thankful for their trust and helping me achieve my goals. I didn’t achieve this alone though. It was a combination of the leadership, the people that work with me and the Sailors here at FRCSW,” she said.
But being recognized for her efforts and contributions are not really new to the 32-year-old petty officer.
While at her first command in 2005 aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS-39), Johnson was selected as the Bluejacket of the Year. Two years later Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, chose her as its Junior Sailor of the Year.
In 2016, she reported to FRCSW where she serves as the acting chief petty officer of the command’s administration department. She is also the fleet training scheduler.
“We have two military and FRCSW Pt. Mugu administration personnel who I supervise, and I’m also in charge of all of the Sailors and Marines who come through the school house. So, at any given point, I can have 30 Sailors or Marines going through fleet training,” she said.
Prior to arriving here, Johnson worked at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 as the material control leading petty officer.
Born in Bluff, Nicaragua, Johnson moved with her father to Bronx, N.Y., in December 2001 at the age of 15. Three years later she joined the Navy.
“Ever since I was little and living in Nicaragua, I wanted to join the Navy because I wanted to be part of the `big super power of the world,’” she said. “And once in the States, in addition to joining the Navy, I wanted to be independent and find a better life for myself. That was the motivation to push me to join.”
In 2005, a year after joining the Navy, she became a naturalized citizen in Italy while assigned to USS Emory S. Land.
Johnson continues to pursue her naval career and said she is ultimately working toward advancement to master chief.
Her advice to younger Sailors who are interested in succeeding in the Navy focuses on continuity and perseverance.
“Don’t give up not matter how many times you fall personally or professionally,” she said. “Keep getting back up. And show up and do your best.”
Johnson is currently awaiting orders to her next command, and in the meantime, enjoys running and spending time with her family and ten-year-old daughter.
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Source: U.S. Navy
