Three sailors based out of San Diego have been chosen as USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) 2015 Sailors of the Year.
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Larizza Sibayan, of Hawaii, was recently selected as Sailor of the Year.
Sibayan entered the Navy in 2010 and became a Hospital Corpsman in 2012.
“Winning this award is surreal because I’ve only been on the ship less than a year and I have already accomplished such a huge achievement,” said Sibayan. “I’m proud of myself and honored to represent the medical department on the ship.”
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Steven Smith, of Philadelphia, was selected as the 2015 Bluejacket of the Year.
Smith entered the Navy in 2013 and was recently approved for the Aviation Machinist’s Mate rating.
He is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing and testing aircraft engines while at sea.
“I would first just like to thank my leadership and my mentors that helped me to get to where I am now,” said Smith. “I don’t know where I would be without them. They taught me the meaning and value of hard work, and they gave me the tools I needed to reach my goals.”
Local
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Riley Garn, of Salt Lake City, was selected as Junior Sailor of the Year.
Garn joined the Navy in 2012. Like Sibayan, he assists in the prevention and treatment of disease and injuries, administers immunizations and trains sailors in first aid among other duties.
“My advice to junior Sailors is just to give 100% each and every day,” said Garn. “Once you get to that level, it’s important to help those around you so they can achieve that same level right
alongside you.”
The USS Carl Vinson is based in San Diego and was deployed to Iraq and Syria until last summer.
