Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Southern Maryland played a key role in the selection of the Navy Shore Enterprise 2025 Sailor of the Year, as Navy Counselor 1st Class Frederick L. Salazar earned the top honor for his leadership and innovation at the installation.
Commander, Navy Installations Command announced the award April 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Salazar, representing Naval District Washington, stood out among a competitive field of elite enlisted leaders from 70 Navy installations worldwide. His selection recognizes exceptional dedication, operational readiness and mentorship across the shore enterprise that supports global fleet operations.
As regional career counselor, Salazar oversaw career development for more than 1,000 Sailors across seven commands. He established a first-of-its-kind testing center at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, expanding educational opportunities for service members in Southern Maryland and beyond. The honor includes meritorious promotion to chief petty officer.
Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command, said the Shore Enterprise serves as the warfighting platform from which the fleet projects power. “The leaders we recognize today are the engine of that platform. They ensure our forces are ready, our families are supported, and our installations are resilient,” Gray stated. “NC1 Salazar’s dedication exemplifies the excellence required to maintain our strategic edge.”
Salazar credited his family and colleagues in accepting the award. “There are many people who helped me get here. My wife, daughter, and son have been my support since day one,” he said. “But this recognition also belongs to my mentors and the junior Sailors who pushed me to be better every single day. Now the real work starts. This is where I move forward, take the lessons I’ve learned, and pay it forward to develop the next generation of Navy leaders.”
The award culminates a rigorous enterprise-wide selection process. Salazar emerged from four regional finalists who demonstrated outstanding performance.
Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Frank Lorenzo Ayala, representing Navy Region Southeast, managed more than 24,800 safe flight operations as facility watch supervisor at Naval Station Mayport and coordinated the 2025 Mayport Air Show for over 300,000 attendees.
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Emma L. Murray, from Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, served as the sole Military Working Dog kennel master for U.S. Africa Command, directing 20 teams for more than 7,000 hours of explosive detection that protected over 5,300 personnel and critical infrastructure.
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Anthony W. D. Revak, representing Navy Region Japan, overhauled physical security at Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa to achieve 95 percent compliance and strengthened the command fitness program to boost Sailor readiness.
CNIC Force Master Chief Andre Brown praised all finalists for upholding uncompromising standards and shaping the future of the enlisted force. “Every one of these finalists embodies our core values through their unrelenting dedication to the mission and, more importantly, to the development of their Sailors,” Brown said.
Commander, Navy Installations Command manages 10 Navy regions, 70 installations and more than 48,600 employees focused on sustainment, quality-of-life programs and support for fleet operations. Naval Air Station Patuxent River remains a vital hub in Southern Maryland, contributing directly to aviation testing, research and Sailor development that strengthens national defense.
Salazar’s achievement highlights the caliber of personnel serving at installations across Calvert, St. Mary’s and Charles counties. The recognition underscores the important role Southern Maryland plays in maintaining Navy readiness and supporting enlisted career progression.
Local military families and communities in the tri-county area continue to benefit from the professional development initiatives advanced by leaders like Salazar. The 2025 Shore Enterprise Sailor of the Year award celebrates excellence that directly impacts operations at Patuxent River and the broader Navy mission.
