NORFOLK, Va. — Two Navy Region Mid-Atlantic installations, Naval Station Newport and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, received Commander, Navy Installations Command’s (CNIC) Retention Excellence Award for fiscal year 2023.
This award honors Navy installations who lead the way in retaining the most talented Sailors in the Navy, and recognizes their efforts to meet or subceed attrition benchmarks for the entire year.
“Your dedication and commitment to Navy career programs not only exemplify your superb performance, but also attest to your concern for the professional needs of your Sailors,” wrote Commander, Navy Installations Command, Vice Adm. Gray, in his official announcement to recipients. “Every member of your command can be justifiably proud of their achievements.”
Naval Station Newport, located in Rhode Island, and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, located in Virginia, are actively taking steps towards increasing the quality of life for our Sailors through professional development opportunities, career counseling, child and youth programs, award-winning galleys and more.
“I want to thank you for creating and setting the tone where your Sailors feel like ‘staying Navy’ is the right thing to do,” said Capt. Henry Roenke, Naval Station Newport’s installation commanding officer, in an email following the award’s announcement.
“As the career counselor, along with the command Career Development Team, our pivotal roles are instrumental in guiding and empowering Sailors to excel in their careers, fostering a positive command culture, and significantly contributing to our command’s attainment of the prestigious Retention Excellence Award,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Thelma King, installation career counselor at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.
“The recipients of CNIC’s FY’23 Retention Excellence Award exemplify a profound commitment to the welfare of their community members, fostering an environment where every individual’s well-being is prioritized and supported,” said CNIC Force Career Counselor, Master Chief Navy Counselor Yenier Ramirez. “Through their dedication and care, these installations serve as beacons of excellence during these challenging times in keeping our shore strength mission ready.”