LV High grad Bluejacket of the Year

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 | 8:56 a.m.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Luis Joseph Lopez, Las Vegas High School class of 2001 and son of Lisa Bartels and Luis Enrique Lopez, both of Las Vegas, was recently named Bluejacket of the Year while assigned to Squadron and Commander, Helicopter Antisubmarine Light Wing, in the Pacific Fleet.

According to Lopez, he knew his efforts had been noticed by his superiors, but he had no idea how widely his work was appreciated by the Navy.

"I was astonished due to the fact that all the hard work I was accomplishing was recognized not by my own chain of command but by the entire command and the fellow commands in the same community," he said.

According to his superiors in his award nomination, Lopez demonstrated exceptional administrative and organizational skills as assistant supervisor of the maintenance administration branch, resulting in outstanding results during an annual inspection.

Lt. Dennis Evans, one of Lopez's former supervisors, and Assistant Maintenance Officer for Helicopter Squadron Light 41, noted the sailor's positive attitude.

"First and foremost he was an outstanding performer in every aspect of his rate. Always positive and severely dedicated to the mission of this command," Evans said.

Evans stated that the quality of the Las Vegas High School graduate's work was unparalleled.

"His work ethic and performance could not be matched by some of our first class petty officers. He took customer service to another level," the lieutenant said.

Lopez also developed a comprehensive manpower database to track and forecast personnel requirements for his unit above and beyond his regular duties. And he performed more than 74 ceremonies as lead color guard for the Navy's southwest region.

"I like the Navy and its challenges," said Lopez, noting his experiences thus far since joining have been great, including basic training, operational cruises and the ports he has visited.

Lopez has received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his selection as The Bluejacket of the Year, an honor that was established to recognize individuals who best represent sailors serving as role models of professionalism and personal excellence.

The Las Vegas sailor, currently assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, homeported in San Diego, is looking forward to visits home and gives credit to his mother for his award winning performance in the Navy.

"I love you, Mom," he said. "Without you I wouldn't be where I am today."

In brief