NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The 2015 finalists for NAVAIR Sailor of the Year assembled for a ceremony recognizing their accomplishments in the atrium of the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett building Jan. 14.

“These First Class Petty Officers demand excellence and accuracy from themselves and those they lead,” said Command Master Chief Shaun Brahmsteadt, the event’s master of ceremonies. “They set and maintain the highest of standards and execute the right things at the right time for the right reasons.”

Brahmsteadt introduced the 2015 Sailors of the Year for each category after emphasizing how tough the selection process is for this level and competition is at the next level. The finalists were: AWV1 Andrew White from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division; LS1 Erick Santiago from VX-30 at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division; and PS1 Ruby Anne Millanes from NAVAIR headquarters.

Vice Adm. Paul Grosklags, NAVAIR commander, spoke to the nominees about how their accomplishments make them valuable assets to the Navy.

"What encourages me the most about our Navy is that our adversaries can't replicate our Sailors,” Grosklags said. “They are the real source of our advantage as a fighting force."

Grosklags also challenged the nominees to, “Continue giving us your ideas. Keep learning. Think both strategically and tactically. And lead change in our Navy – to become the future Navy you want it to be.”

After encouraging the nominees to continue on their paths as mentors, Grosklags named White as the 2015 NAVAIR Sailor of the Year.

"This is very humbling,” White said. “I'm honored and privileged to receive this award."

Born in San Bernardino, California, White began his career in 2005 after attending basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois. He currently serves as the training airlift and strategic communications department leading petty officer for VX-20 here.

In addition to leading a team of eight Sailors and 10 civil service personnel in support of developmental testing for the E-6B Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271), White is also a department career counselor, primary command fitness leader and the public affairs officer for the First Class Petty Officer Association.

“He displays the character, initiative and resourcefulness to accept and accomplish the most demanding tasks,” wrote Cmdr. Dennis Lloyd, VX-20 commanding officer. “His demeanor, confidence and spirit of cooperation have been highly commendable in crisis management situations.”

"I'm thankful for all the hard work by my fellow first class petty officers and for the chiefs' mess, who supported me," White said.

Santiago and Millanes both received the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of their accomplishments.

Brahmsteadt closed the ceremony with a final thought. “We know you will continue to serve the Navy and our country with the ideals of our Navy core values – honor, courage, and commitment – well into the future.”

White will compete at the next level for Vice Chief of Naval Operation Shore Sailor of the Year in February.