MANAMA, Bahrain --
Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Juan D. Aviles-Perez, assigned to the coastal patrol ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11), was selected as command Blue Jacket of the Year (BJOY) for Commander, Naval Surface Squadron (CNSS) 5, Jan. 4.
A native of San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, and son of Yolanda Perez Marquez and Felipe Aviles Rodriguez, Aviles-Perez earned a bachelor’s of science from Inter American University and has been in the Navy for a year-and-a-half.
“The biggest reason I joined the Navy was to build my life,” said Aviles-Perez. “I wanted to do something that I enjoyed and never really get tired of doing. Also something that could help me build a career, give me time to work out, see the world and help me with future goals. The many things I learn on a daily basis, the pride of serving my country and making my family proud of what I am happily doing with my life, give me the certainty that I chose the right path.”
Whirlwind awards a Blue Jacket of the Quarter to four Sailors every year, and at the end of the year, the four quarter winners stand before a selection board to be named the BJOY. The Whirlwind’s winner then competes against the other ship winners from the 14 ships that make up Naval Surface Squadron FIVE for the title of CNSS FIVE BJOY.
Aviles-Perez has been assigned to Whirlwind for 11 months, and during that time, Aviles-Perez was recognized for his superior performance on the ship as its primary electrician, as a visit, board, search and seizure team member, a jacket water king, a master helmsman, a member of the at-sea fire party, and for his junior enlisted association involvement.
“Aviles-Perez is mature beyond his years,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Brisco, Whirlwind commanding officer. “He is one of those Sailors that you wish you had several of. His tenacious work ethic, exceptionally positive attitude and mission focused professionalism make him invaluable to my command.”
With the title of CNSS 5 BJOY under his belt, Aviles-Perez plans to continue working hard and studying for advancement to second class petty officer, build a resume for officer candidacy, build his repertoire as an electrician, but above all, continue to serve the country with honor.
CNSS 5 serves as the surface type commander's executive agent in Bahrain and provides support to 10 Cyclone-class coastal patrol ships and four Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships.
U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.