 With over 300,000 active-duty sailors in the Navy, saying who is the best can be challenging. Five finalists from U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa competed for Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year and for a chance to compete for the Navy-wide title. To watch them up there standing so proud, representing their commands in all of Naval Forces Europe and Africa just warms my heart not only as a Fleet Master Chief but as a sailor because when I look in their eyes I see me when I was younger at that part of my career. Getting to this point doesn't just involve personal accomplishments it's also about giving back. During the week the finalists did a little gardening to help out a Naples religious institution in need of some extra hands. These community relations activities give us an opportunity to reach out with community that's giving so much to us supporting us and helping us and this is an opportunity for those sailors of the year candidates who embody the best of the best to give back. With a strong field of worthy candidates only two could be chosen. The fiscal year 2014 sea sail of the year. Head Officer Bobby Williams. Always try to do your best. Sometimes we can't always be the best but do the best job you can and everything else to take care of yourself because you're gonna be surrounded by people with that experience is just taking the knowledge taking the advice. Petty Officer Williams wasn't the only winner that was still one spot left. Your 2014 shore sail of the year. Petty Officer. The feeling was overwhelming almost. I was trying not to get emotional up there you know my kids are in the audience my husband's in the audience but it's definitely a huge honor huge honor to represent this senior CNA as the shore sailor of the year. Both winners will go on to compete for the Navy wide sea and shore sailor of the year and the winner will be promoted to Chief Petty Officer. Petty Officer Matt Wright, Naples, Italy.