NAWCWD CHINA LAKE, Calif., – For the second time, AWS1 (AW/SW) Anthony J. Michalski, was named Air Test and Evaluation squadron (VX) 31’s Sailor of the Year. Last year, he was selected as VX-31's 2010 Sailor of the Year. In a repeat performance of excellence in 2011, the squadron logged more than 3,868 flight hours without a single Class A or B mishap.

Michalski checked in to VX-31 in 2009. As Search and Rescue (SAR) leading petty officer and safety instructor, he took charge of all aircrew qualifications, training and rescue equipment. He qualified as utility crewman, helicopter inland rescue air crewman, and rescue crew chief. Continuing his college education between assignments, Michalski is working toward an Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree.

Col. Andre Mercier said of Michalski, “AWS1 is a proven performer in one of the Navy’s most demanding mission specialties. He leads a team of 11 enlisted personnel and turned an inexperienced crew into a highly efficient team. The squadron’s SAR mission availability increased under Michalski’s leadership.”

Like many sailors, Michalski traveled around the globe to places like Guam, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Australia and Hawaii. He was transferred to VC-8 in Puerto Rico, promoted to second class and selected as Air Crewman of the Year. In addition, he received the Sikorsky Maintenance Award and received two U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

Since January 2011, VX-31’s SAR crew completed more than eight successful missions in some of the most challenging terrain in southern California and rescued 10 civilians. Michalski has personally flown more than 2,313 mishap-free flight hours. His devotion to the SAR motto “That Others May Live” was recently highlighted by a successful rescue near Cottonwood Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

"Leading others has been the most challenging, and the most rewarding, experience in my naval career,” Michalski said.