Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) selected Air Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Jason Chavez as its 2020 Senior Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY).
Chavez is the leading petty officer (LPO) in the 900 Division and serves as the commands Main Production Control LPO, as well. Combined, he oversees the work of more than 670 Sailors.
Chavez attributes his selection for the award to the mentorship he had provided to his fellow Sailors and his assistance in qualifying 10 new production control supervisors.
Chavez attributes his selection for the award to the spirit of mentorship throughout the command.
"The mentorship provided to me at FRCSW DET NI is the best I have had my naval career, and I am thankful to have a strong First Class Petty Officer Mess and Chiefs Mess," he said.
In return, Chavez mentors many of the junior Sailors assigned to him and was instrumental in the qualification of 10 new production control supervisors.
"I feel extremely honored and humbled by the selection," he said. "The other Sailors that were nominated were of the highest caliber and I feel honored to be amongst them. I am proud to represent my Junior Sailors and FRCSW DET NI as a whole."
"The diversity of people makes me proud to serve in the Navy because I believe its what makes us a strong fighting force."
The 33-year-old Sailor, a native of Jamaica, New York, joined the Navy to learn a trade travel and follow the footsteps of his uncle, a retired Chief Hospital Corpsman. In 2006, he enlisted at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York.
USS Peleiu (LHA 5) was Chavez's first assignment following graduation from Naval Training Center. The amphibious assault ship was also his uncle's first command, where he served as an X-ray technician.
Prior to reporting to FRCSW, Chavez spent four years onboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) as the IM04 Production Control LPO and Quality Assurance Representative.
Striving for success was the primary advice Chavez offered to junior Sailors who'd like to advance their careers.
"Focus on your primary duty and work on becoming the best Subject Matter Expert you can be, everything else will follow," he said.
Chavez devotes his off-duty time to his wife Ashley and raising their daughter.
AS1 Jason Chavez, center, is presented a plaque Dec. 1 by FRCSW DET OIC Cmdr. Eric Quarles, left, and FRCSW CMC CMDCM Eric Stowe for his selection as the FRCSW 2020 Senior Shore Sailor of the Year. Chavez is the LPO for both the 900 Division and Main Production Control. Combined, he oversees the work of more than 670 Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo)
