MILLINGTON, Tn. — Petty Officer 1st Class Jamye Graham from Baltimore, serving with USS Wasp (LHD 1), earned Senior Sailor of the Year for 2015.
The Sailor of the Year Program recognizes superior performance of enlisted personnel emphasizing outstanding achievements, exemplary personal conduct and military bearing, and demonstrated initiative in the performance of duty. This program also motivates personnel to strive for improvement in their assigned duties and leadership.
“Holding the title as Sea Sailor of the Year means everything to me,” said Graham. “It is an indescribable feeling for the recognition of my hard work and leadership at such a high level. This honor also pays tribute to all the hard work of my junior Sailors and is a direct reflection of the strong leadership from my superiors. It is an honor to know that as a senior Sailor, I set the standard as a great leader and will be looked at as a model Sailor for all my junior Sailors.”
As a ship’s serviceman, Graham is responsible for managing and operating the retail and service activities aboard the ship.
“I enjoy just simply being a part of an organization that sets the tone for excellence and makes it presence known world wide,” said Graham. “I appreciate the benefits and opportunities I am given as well. I get to travel, get an education, meet new people of all ethnicities, make an impact on numerous Sailors, and defend my country.”
Graham, a 2002 graduate of Edmondson Westside High School, has served in the Navy for 13 years.
“Petty Officer Graham is by far my number one of 125 outstanding First Class Petty Officers on WASP,” said Capt. Kurt Kastner, command officer of USS Wasp. “She is the embodiment of the word Sailor and an unmatched deck plate leader. She exudes Honor, Courage and Commitment throughout her daily routine. Her work ethic is above and beyond the standard and she willingly accepts the most difficult jobs and produces outstanding results. If there is a problem, she is the solution! She is without question one of the best First Class Petty Officers I’ve worked with in my 27 year careers and I cannot think of a finer Shipmate to receive this award.”
Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, USS Wasp is the first of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ships.
The Navy has given Graham an opportunity of a lifetime.
“Serving in the Navy has helped me to develop a higher level of discipline,” said Graham. “Also, completing several deployments has allowed me to experience different cultures and gain a broader outlook of challenges occurring around the world. For those reasons, I am very grateful and appreciative.”