Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) selected Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) 1st Class Liberty Cagaanan as its 2019 Sea Sailor of the Year (SOY).
She is also the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) 2019 Sea Sailor of the Year (SOY).
"I never expected to win the COMFRC Sailor of the Year," she said. "Sailor of the Year here in the command is already a big accomplishment."
Cagaanan is the leading petty officer (LPO) handling PR activities for the squadrons and aircraft carriers assigned to Naval Base Coronado. She oversees the work of 30 Sailors who maintain the personal and survival gear of flight crews and pilots.
She attributes her SOY recognitions to her work ethic and the influences of those around her.
"I think I do my job well and I do it for my Sailors. They motivate me, as do my leaders who support and believe in me. Keep working hard, if you feel like you are falling, keep getting up and keep pushing forward."
Cagaanan, a native of Manila, Philippines, reported to FRCSW in 2014 as a PR2. Two years later, she was named the command's 2016 Shore SOY.
She enlisted in the Navy in 2001 in Long Beach, Calif., and intends to make the service her career.
"I joined the Navy to travel," she said. "I like meeting people, and as you travel, you learn other cultures which is fun."
Following graduation from Naval Training Center, she was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137) in 2008, and three years later to VFA 122, both of which are based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, and then to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71 (HSM-71), based on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) before her assignment to FRCSW.
Cagaanan is currently awaiting orders, and spends her free time with her two sons and husband, Erwin, an Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class who works at Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific (HSMWSP) on NASNI.