NASWF’s Hein is SE sailor of year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Michael Hein from Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla., was named Navy Region Southeast Sailor of the Year. Six sailors from across the southeast, including Navy Counselor 1st Class Sarah Prather of Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, were the final nominees for the award across CNRSE’s 18 installations. “[These] Sailors represent the very best of the best throughout the region, and are to be commended for their sustained superior performance," said Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, CNRSE. Hein served as chief of Whiting’s Flight Planning branch. He supervised his 24-member team in the filing and processing of over 49,000 aircraft flight plans. As leading petty officer, the team managed 165,826 mishap-free flight operations, and 7,000-plus ground controlled approaches. Hein also devoted personal time to deliver meals to families affected by Hurricane Michael, worked with Meals on Wheels, and helped place animals for adoption from the Escambia County Animal Shelter. The six nominees will make up a working group charged with devising policy and processes to drastically eliminate destructive behaviors like suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence and alcohol related incidents. The group will offer their ideas in the spring. Hein will now compete for the Commander Naval Installations Command Sailor of the Year, which recognizes the top sailor across all shore installations in the Navy. (Source: CNRSE 12/11/18)