NAS Whiting Field -Retention Excellence
NAS Whiting Field Receives Retention Excellence Recognition
Naval Air Station Whiting Field’s command retention team was named a recipient of the 2011 Retention Excellence Award via a Navy administrative message last week. The base was one of only 39 Navy shore commands to achieve this designation.
The award recognizes commands that achieve established retention goals through the course of the year.
“Your dedication and commitment to career motivation and excellence not only exemplify your superb performance, but also attest to your concern for the personal and professional needs of our sailors. Every member of your command can be justifiably proud of their achievements,” Vice Adm. Michael Vitale stated in the message.
Requirements for the award include achieving a passing grade above 85 in the annual retention review; having a first term attrition rate below 5.5 percent; and exceeding 59, 66, and 72 percent retention for first, second, and third term Sailors.
NAS Whiting Field’s numbers easily passed those thresholds with 80, 72 and 83.3 percent first, second and third term retention. The overall statistics for 2011 showed a 77.8 percent rate which was more than 20 percent higher than the 2010 numbers.
“The command reached retention goals because of aggressive mentoring, career development boards, and counseling to ensure all Sailors were given the best guidance and structure to make the best informed decisions and stay Navy. Every level in the chain of command played a role,” Navy Counselor 1st Class Gwendolyn King said. “I believe we will continue to have sustained excellence in retaining our most qualified Sailors.”
Certificates will be sent to the commands and NAS Whiting Field will be able to fly the retention pennant throughout 2012 to recognize the accomplishment.
“This is not only a testament to the efforts of the command retention team, but also recognizes the dedication our Sailors have to their careers and their country,” NAS Whiting Field Commanding Officer Capt. Matthew Coughlin said. “It’s exciting to receive the award and I hope it isn’t the last. Great job!”
Editor’s Note – Media partners seeking additional information should call NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs at 850-665-6121 or 850-501-0433.
