By James Johnson, NAVFAC Far East Public Affairs
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BU1 Jerma Cloude (U.S. Navy photo)
Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Bartoe announced the selection of Builder 1
st Class Jerma Cloude as Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Far East (FE) Fiscal Year 2015 Sailor of the Year, Yokosuka, Japan, Nov. 16. Cloude currently serves in the Public Works Department (PWD) Chinhae, Korea, Seabee Self Help unit as leading petty officer (LPO) and construction manager.
"BU1 Cloude is a motivated Sailor performing exceptionally well in a challenging assignment," said Chief Engineering Aide Shawn Davis, PWD Chinhae. "He handles any and all situations professionally and is a tremendous Sailor advocate and mentor to those he leads as my LPO. I couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments this year both for NAVFAC FE and our local installation, Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae."
As construction manager and contracting officer, Cloude managed and executed more than 57 NAVFAC and military construction projects, valued at over $7.5 million. Seventeen projects were executed in the 4th quarter alone. He has continued off-duty education, completing his associate degree in construction technology. Additionally, he volunteered after hours and led his junior Sailors in various base-wide events.
"I am honored and grateful to have been selected," said Cloude. "Without the support of my chain of command, junior Sailors and my beautiful wife, I could not have been strong enough to become successful. I want to thank everyone for their support and teaching."
Cloude joined the Navy in May 2000. His deployments have taken him to Puerto Rico, Kuwait, Iraq, Spain, Guam and Cuba. Personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Presidential Unit Commendation.
Bartoe also named Utilities Technician 3
rd Class Justin Martin, PWD Okinawa, as Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year, and Builder 2
nd Class Ronald Call, PWD Diego Garcia, as Junior Sailor of the Year.
"The hard work and dedication these deckplate leaders have displayed throughout the year is impressive, and they truly represent the very best of the U.S. Navy in the Far East area of operations," Bartoe said.
The NAVFAC Far East Sailor of the Year will be considered for NAVFAC Pacific Sailor of the Year, to be selected in December.