SAN DIEGO/YORK—
A Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk Sailor from York has been named Sailor of the Year (SOY) for 2009 by Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers (COMFISCS).Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Korilyn C. Barrett (Aviation Warfare) was recognized by Rear. Adm. Mark Heinrich, COMFISCS, for her outstanding achievement as the leading petty officer for FISC Norfolk’s Logistics Support Center New London, in Groton, Conn.
“I am very proud of LS2 Barrett and congratulate her on receiving this well-deserved award,” said Heinrich. “Under her leadership, FISC Norfolk’s New London site has earned the reputation for being one of the best full service logistics centers in the Navy.”
“Winning this award is such a compliment. I have worked hard all year not for an award, but because I had goals I wanted to accomplish before I go back to sea duty at the end of 2010,” said Barrett. “I am just speechless that my efforts are recognized with such a prestigious award. Wow!”
Barrett was recognized for leading a team of 25 logistics specialists and two civilians in providing logistics support to 15 nuclear submarines and 10,000 personnel from 57 tenant commands on board Naval Submarine Base New London. Under her supervision, her team processed more than 15,000 requisitions with a 99 percent on time rate, which had a direct impact on submarine mission readiness.
“There are people I work for as well as those who work for me that I had to set a good example for and, most of all, I have to be a great role model for all three of my children,” Barrett said.
The FISC Norfolk Sailor, who received a Navy Achievement Medal in 2009 for her performance coordinating logistics services for the Italian submarine Scirè, is highly praised by her chain of command for her professionalism and management qualities.
“Petty Officer Barrett is a brilliant, hard-charging and consummate professional who epitomizes all that the Navy is looking for in leaders,” said Capt. Ruth Christopherson, FISC Norfolk’s commanding officer. “She combines that perfect blend of exceptional leadership and superior technical talent to accomplish any assignment given to her.”
Off duty, Barrett is just as committed to serving her fellow shipmates and the community. She was the driving force in developing the Groton Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, a program which is spreading throughout the Navy. She also helped raise $18,000 through the Caring and Sharing program to feed needy Sailors and their families, and is a volunteer reader for youth at the base Child Development Center. Among other community involvement activities, she participated in the New London County Earth Day event and Multiple Sclerosis Walk-A-Thon.
“It’s amazing what a person can accomplish when you have an incredible support system—God, my family, my chain of command and my military and civilian co-workers,” said Barrett. “Cmdr. [Steven] Hartzell and Chief Logistics Specialist [Michelle] Skilbred have taught me to never be satisfied with (mediocrity) and always believe that you can do better. They have shown me that with great leadership and support, self-determination and dedication the sky is the limit.”
LS2 Barrett is the oldest of five children and daughter of Kevin and Lori Barrett of York. She is a 1999 York High School graduate and has been serving in the U.S. Navy since 2002.
Photo caption: York Native Korilyn Barrett has been named Sailor of the Year for her work in Groton, Conn. (Courtesy photo)
