JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sailors representing Fleet Readiness Centers (FRC) from across the country traveled to Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 25 to compete for the Commander (COM) FRC 2010 Sailor of the Year (SOY).

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) hosted 10 command SOYs and their command master chief (CMC) during the week that included CMC package reviews, SOY board interviews and a visit to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia.

COMFRC CMDCM(AW/SW) Cesar Perez headed the board that will select the top sea and shore Sailors.

They are always impressive,” he said. “Their energy level and what they bring to the table is remarkable.

During a meet and greet, Perez asked each candidate to share their least memorable moment in the Navy. AM1(AW) Miguel E. Ortega, assigned to FRCSE Detachment Key West, remembered one event at his first command that he will never forget.

“I was replacing a launch part,” Ortega said, “and I forgot to lock the tool box. Every tool came out. I had to see the Planned Maintenance Officer and explain the responsibilities of tool control using a power point presentation.”

Perez said none of the stories the SOYs shared was as bad as his own blunders of “beating a missile out of a launcher to almost causing a collision on a ship.”

He said their mistakes were made from a lack of experience and knowledge; they were not intentional.

“They aren’t anything to be ashamed of,” said Perez. “You learned from your mistakes. Somebody believed in you, and you recovered. That is who you are and how you got here.”

Perez and the board after much deliberation made their sea and shore recommendations. After final review, COMFRC Rear Adm. Tim Matthews will announce the 2010 winners in November.