BACK-TO-BACK GOLDEN ANCHORS FOR NNSY
BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY LUKE BEASLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER For two years in a row, Norfolk Naval Shipyard has received the Retention Excellence Award, previously known as the Golden Anchor Award. The annual Retention Excellence Award recognizes superior command accomplishment in executing programs and policies that best enable Sailors to succeed in their Navy careers and directly supports the concept of Brilliant on the Basics. “In order to receive the retention excellence award, we had to meet all the requirements,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Michelle Bolden, the shipyard’s Navy counselor and manager of the shipyard’s Career Development Program. “Our Command Information Program was inspected, and we had to receive a 90 or above. We received a 98. We met all retention and attrition benchmarks; we had
very low attrition and high retention.” The Career Development Program is multifaceted, and Bolden’s area of responsibility includes overseeing career development boards, the shipyard’s family care plan, and the Exceptional Family Member and Educational Service Office programs. All commands have the opportunity to win the retention award, but not all commands are able to satisfy the criteria to be eligible. “What it means is that we’re doing everything we need to do to take care of our Sailors,” said Bolden. “All of our programs were utilized most effectively so we were able to receive the award.” According to Smith, fleet readiness remains a top priority and effective execution of personnel programs and
policies are critical elements to retaining top quality Sailors. Standards of conduct, engaged and committed leadership, clear policies and support of Navy quality of life programs have a direct and positive impact on Sailor behavior and retention. The Navy’s career development and personnel programs contribute to retention of the best and brightest Sailors. "Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all hands, especially our career counselor team,” said Command Master Chief Michael Reese. “I am very proud of you all. Bravo Zulu Shipmates!" “It’s a great honor to win the award because not all commands meet the eligibility requirements and it takes a huge effort to take care of our Sailors,” added Bolden.
MAY 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5