Top U.S. Navy Communicators Recognized

Expeditionary Combat Camera, Norfolk, VA
During 2011, MC1 Pastoric was
responsible for the Fleet Response Training Plan of 75 active and reserve Combat
Sailors. He also both led and trained the Department of Defense’s only
underwater photographic documentation team, completing 400 dives with more than
6,000 hours of bottom time. Also, while deployed as a diver for Southern
Partnership with Mobile Diving Salvage Unit Two last year, he led a detachment
responsible for capturing more than 15,000 images and 200 minutes of video
footage in four countries. MC1 Pastoric is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th
Fleet area of operations as part of CTG 56.1 Combat Camera
detachment.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
Returning to active duty
from the reserve component in May 2010, MC1 De Leon has been an integral part of
the U.S. 5th Fleet public affairs team overseeing the publication of 2,500
print, photographic and video news products. In addition to serving as leading
petty officer, she was also the acting leading chief petty officer for five
months.

Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet
As the public affairs supervisor for
the U.S. 7th fleet staff, MC2 Hendrix maintains the command’s website and social
media presence, which has become a key communication tool. Additionally, he
helped approve approximately 500 news stories and more than 5,000 photos for
release. MC2 Hendrix also provided photographic support for 30 key events
throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Navy
Information Operations Command Maryland
From January to June 2011, MC2
Wilken served as the command’s public affairs officer while the position was
vacant. Additionally, she wrote and edited approximately 30 stories as well as
photographed more than 50 events for the command’s publication, “Anchor
Watch.”

NR Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) West
MC1 Olay is the leading
petty officer for Navy Reserve NPASE West and was selected as the command’s
Sailor of the Year 2011. He led a two-man team during Exercise CARAT in
Singapore, where he shot, edited and submitted 85 photos and one video. He also
oversaw media teams documenting ceremonies for the commemoration of 9/11,
Centennial of Naval Aviation and the 2011 Miramar Air Show, resulting in 57
photos, four news stories and two video products.

“These Sailors represent the best within our
enlisted ranks,” said Rear Admiral Dennis Moynihan,”and I’m grateful for their
dedication to service and their commitment to telling the Navy story.”

Submitted by John Verrico.