Pacific edition, Sunday, March 9, 2008
SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — A Sasebo sailor is bringing home a big prize.
Petty Officer 1st Class Karen Campbell of Sasebo Naval Base was named the top sailor of U.S. Navy shore installations worldwide, the base commander announced Friday.
Campbell won the award during a Commander, Naval Installations Command competition in Washington, D.C., last week.
It was a “tremendous accomplishment” and the base servicemembers should congratulate Campbell when she returns next week, Capt. Tilghman Payne wrote in an e-mail announcement.
Now, Campbell will compete for the sailor of the year title for all Navy operations, Payne said.
Awards are beginning to pile up for Campbell, who works base security at Sasebo.
In January, she was chosen 2007 Commander Naval Forces Japan Sailor of the Year during a meeting of the region’s nine commands at Yokosuka Naval Base.
The CNFJ award recognizes sailors who excel in all areas of their service and personal lives. Candidates are judged by their actions over the year and are interviewed by superiors.
Sasebo Command Master Chief Robert Shannon said Campbell’s award represents the quality of sailors at the base.
Campbell said last month it is an “absolutely amazing” experience to represent her command in the sailor of the year competitions.
