This year's Sailor of the Year is one of our own: Opelousas native Navy Petty Officer Crystal Frank. An interview with Petty Officer Frank is below. We extend our congratulations to Petty Officer Frank and wish her continued success in her service!

Shared with KTDY by the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Interview conducted by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timmy Wakefield, NSGL Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Q: So tell me about your journey to making Sailor of the Year (SOY)?

Petty Officer Frank: "I wouldn't call it a journey. I never did anything with the intent on becoming the SOY. I've been at Naval Station Great Lakes for almost three years and my only goal was to do the best I could with whatever tasking I was assigned. I also try to promote positive morale throughout the command."

Q: What was the most intimidating part about the interview process?

Petty Officer Frank: "I would have to say the most intimidating part was actually preparing for the board. There is so much you want to memorize or at least remember ranging from current affairs, naval history, uniform regulations and other various things that make us sailors."

"It can get a little frustrating. Aside from that, the competition was pretty intimidating. I was up against three equally, excellent first class petty officers. Unfortunately, the honor can only go to one of us."

Q: What was going through your mind as the board was interviewing you?

Petty Officer Frank: "My exact thoughts were, 'Relax, relax! You know everyone in here.' That was about it."

Q: Did you have any doubts about making SOY?

Petty Officer Frank: "Yes! I never imagined being selected for SOY. I've never put myself in that category because I have my own image of who and what the SOY should be.

"Over the years, I've put sailors into three categories; the superstars who have no problem excelling, the problem child who get just as much attention as the superstars (although it is negative), and then there is the average sailor. That's what I consider myself. I tend to stay out of trouble, but we aren't as awesome as the stars. We are often forgotten about or not recognized. This is why I had my doubts. I am no superstar - far from being one. I just enjoy my work and enjoy being able to boost the morale of others."

Q: What is the biggest milestone of your career that helped you get to this point?

Petty Officer Frank: "There is no one milestone that's helped me get here. I could not have made it to this point without the hard work my junior sailors, the teamwork of my fellow first class petty officers, and the support and encouragement of upper chain of command."

"I've always approached my job with the idea that if I did it well, mentored, trained and led the junior sailors to the best of my ability, and then the command would take care of me."

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