Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering (CSFE) announced the selection of Steelworker 1st Class Michael J. Gilchrest, an instructor at Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC) Gulfport, as the 2018 CSFE Sailor of the Year Nov. 20.

Gilchrest explained how humbled and honored he is to have had the opportunity to compete at the CSFE SOY board. He mentions that he could not have made it to the board without the sound guidance of his chain of command or the support of his family.

“It’s truly amazing to have made it to this point and my hope moving forward is that I can continue to mentor troops the same way I have been mentored, to be a positive influence during their Naval careers and their decision making in their daily lives,” said Gilchrest. “I strive to have a lasting impact on them as those before me have had on me. I'm truly blessed to be here and I look forward to what's to come!”

Gilchrest spearheaded formal course reviews for three steelworker advanced courses to verify all curriculum was up-to-date and free of deficiencies.

Playing a key role in the Sailor 2025 Ready, Relevant Learning initiative for the Steelworker “A” School, Gilchrest was part of the team effort to ensure Sailors are getting the right training at the right time and in the right way.  Gilchrest helped make the strategic launch of the new curriculum and training platform a flawless transition and facilitated the reshaping of formalized military training for the Naval Construction Force’s future.

“Petty Officer Gilchrest’s experience, impeccable military bearing, and ability to impart technical knowledge make him the ideal role model for our young Seabees and Sailors to emulate,” said Cmdr. Russell Bates, NCTC Gulfport commanding officer. “His consistent sustained, superior performance, at the level of a seasoned chief petty officer, is most deserving of the recognition as CSFE’s Sailor of the Year.”

As the company leading petty officer, Gilchrest also ensured the accurate and timely submission of weekly reporting requirements, civilian employee leave and timekeeping, quarters and company trainings, and staff and student physical training execution.

Capt. Chris Kurgan, CSFE commanding officer, congratulated Gilchrest and all of the nominees from CSFE’s five learning sites.

“We have incredible talent across the domain, and they make a positive impact every day,” said Kurgan. “We are blessed to have their leadership developing the character and competence of our Seabee force.”

Gilchrest was selected from a cadre of CSFE learning site Sailors of the Year including: Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Howard Watkins from Civil Engineer Corps Officers School; Equipment Operator 1st Class William Nickeo from NCTC Port Hueneme; Utilitiesman 1st Class Ryan Kierl from CSFE Det. Sheppard Air Force Base; and Equipment Operator 1st Class Stefanie Tumlinson from CSFE Det. Fort Leonard Wood.

For more on CSFE, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/csfe/Default.aspx.

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