SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Name: YN3 Craig Steward Department: Administration Hometown: Chattanooga, Tenn.

Whether it’s managing re-fueling operations, maintaining airplanes, or managing the NATO pier at Augusta Bay, the Naval Air Station Sigonella community works hard every day in order to maintain our status as the indispensable “Hub of the Med.”

Of the many departments of NAS Sigonella and of the 38 tenant commands here, the typically unsung heroes of the NAS Sigonella Administration department, or admin, work tirelessly to overcome the complexities required to support our small town.

As the sole provider of administrative management services to the installation Commanding Officer, Capt. Kevin Pickard, admin is known to have very busy and long days. A quick glance at their duties is all it takes to realize they have a lot on their plate to include official mail, command-level correspondence, military awards processing, personnel requests management and the list goes on.

One standout Sailor in particular, Yeoman 3rd Class Craig Lebron Steward, from Chattanooga, Tenn. is making waves in admin only after being here for a short period of time. Steward has been in the Navy for only one year and he recently promoted to 3rd Class Petty Officer, an achievement which usually takes many two years.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see the world,” said Steward. “I’ve always loved the sea and my family also has a tradition of military service, so the Navy happened to be the branch closest to my interests. Growing up I knew I wanted to help people out in some type, and joining the Navy made it possible.”

Since stepping onboard, he has shouldered the administrative responsibility to help spread the demanding workload.

“I am the directives manager for NAS Sigonella Base Admin Department,” said Steward. “I manage, publish, and post all policies and procedures of NAS Sigonella and the Commanding Officer for 5,100 military personnel and their families.”

Even with that responsibility, Steward continues to find ways to excel. He was already the fitness leader for the admin department but recently he stepped up as an assistant command fitness leader (CFL) for NAS Sigonella to proctor physical fitness assessments for all Navy commands onboard.

Steward didn’t just stop at becoming a CFL but has continues to grow and develop personally during his time ashore.

“I currently enrolled for this upcoming semester,” said Steward. “My goal is to eventually get my bachelors in accounting.”

Although at times the military can be stressful, Steward closed out his spotlight interview with the motivation which keeps him going every day.

“My favorite part of my job is just knowing every day that I come to work I will be helping a sailor and their family,” said Steward. As well as helping the entire command in some type of way, it is really rewarding having a direct impact on the day to day lives of the people on base.”