By MCC Daniel Pearson, NFELC
CEC(SCW/DV) Lynn Rodriguez, NFELC
Chief Construction Electrician (SCW/DV) Lynn Rodriguez, Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center (NFELC), recently won the Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian Award for visionary leadership of a service member whose ideals and dedication reinforce and further the integration of women into the Navy.
CEC Rodriguez s many accomplishments include selection as 2008 1st Naval Construction Division (1NCD) Sailor of the Year, becoming only the fourth enlisted female to certify as an Underwater Construction Team (UCT) diver and leading six worldwide deployments as Mobile Utilities Services Equipment (MUSE) officer in charge.
Chief Rodriguez is an inspirational deck-plate leader who is always out in front. Personally and professionally, on duty and off, she is constantly volunteering, mentoring and giving of herself to others, said Capt. John W. Korka, commanding officer, NFELC. She exemplifies everything the Navy is looking for in leaders, and I m proud to have the privilege to call myself her commanding officer.
Rodriguez was recognized in a formal ceremony at the Sea Service Leadership Symposium, Washington, D.C., March 5. The award is co-sponsored by the Sea Service Leadership Association (SSLA) and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
The award is named for the late Anna Der-Vartanian, the Navy s first female Master Chief Petty Officer and the first woman in any of the armed services to reach the top enlisted pay grade of E9.
Der-Vartanian passed away Aug. 4, 2011, at the age of 90 and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. This is the first year the award has been presented. Since 1987, the Joy Bright Hancock Award has been presented to both officers and enlisted service members, but due to the passing of Der-Vartanian, the Hancock Award is now presented to officers, and the Der-Vartanian Award is now presented to enlisted personnel.
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