Seaman Jerelyn De Oca, from Bayawan City, Philippines, was recently named Blue Jacket of the Quarter for Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. De Oca was also previously recognized as the 2025 Blue Jacket of the Year for NAS Patuxent River.
De Oca joined the Navy one year ago and serves as a logistics specialist.
Blue Jacket of the Quarter is awarded to a junior sailor who exemplifies outstanding dedication to duty and superior performance by going above and beyond their assigned job.
“This award means something to me because who would have thought for me to even come here to America,” De Oca said. “I’m proud to set a standard of excellence and to contribute to improving my command every day.”
During the last quarter, De Oca processed more than 11,000 requisitions totaling more than $46.5 million through the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System program. This work ensured effective and accurate fulfillment of critical aviation supply requirements. As secondary material obligation validation manager, De Oca also ensured the timely submission of 42 accurate MOV reports with proper annotations and supporting documentation.
NAS Patuxent River is home to Naval Air Systems Command headquarters and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. The base conducts over 200,000 air operations annually and hosts more than 50 tenants, including three services, federal agencies and private industry.
De Oca serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security. With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
The recognition highlights the important contributions of junior sailors at NAS Patuxent River, a major employer and economic driver in St. Mary’s County. Local communities across Southern Maryland take pride in the base and its personnel, many of whom live and raise families in the tri-county area.
De Oca’s achievement reflects the professionalism and dedication of the thousands of sailors and civilians who support naval aviation at Pax River every day.
