NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - “Too often these days we all have self-centered motivations where a person may think, ‘If it will not help me then why should I do it,’” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class John E. Quillin, the 2015 Sailor of the Year for Pre-commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
The career counselor in Ford’s Air Department, Quillin provides career guidance to more than 560 Sailors and says his department leadership inspired him to put more effort into his work. The leadership he observed, combined with the support of his civilian and Navy family, led to his announcement as PCU Gerald R. Ford’s Sailor of the Year for 2015.
“Master Chief Frazier helped me succeed,” said Quillin. “He led me from being a good Sailor and turned me into a great Sailor.”
Assigned to the Ford for three years, Quillin has played an integral part in shaping the command and leading Sailors in the right direction.
“It doesn’t matter what department they work in, if I see anybody struggling I am going to help them,” said Quillin.
He advises his Sailors to find a mentor who possesses desirable leadership traits, and to form their own style of leadership based off of first-hand observation.
“It’s very easy to be in the Navy; just do what you’re told, be where you’re supposed to be and in the uniform you’re supposed to be in,” said Quillin. “But making the choice to go above and beyond your mandatory duties will not go unnoticed.”
A Sailor with drive will succeed more often than any other Sailor. Quillin said he can put a Sailor looking to further their career onto the right path, but the Sailor needs to be committed to making the change.
“My goal is for them to feel taken care of and to have a sense of direction when they leave my office,” said Quillin. “Being a part of this ship has greatly improved my morale and work ethic, I’m ready for the next step.”
Quillin’s career goals for 2016 are to make chief petty officer, return to aircraft fueling division (V-4) and to get closer to earning his master’s degree.
Date Taken: | 03.02.2016 |
Date Posted: | 03.02.2016 17:43 |
Story ID: | 190896 |
Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA, US |
Web Views: | 77 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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