By LT Mark R. Mineo, VF-14 Public Affairs Officer

CDR Luke Parent, Commanding Officer of the VF-14 Tophatters, honored AE1 Daniel Secunda at the Tophatters’ annual Christmas party in December with the news that he had been selected as VF-14’s Sailor of the Year. The news came as little surprise to Petty Officer Secunda’s squadron mates. Petty Officer Secunda has a reputation for unmached professional knowledge, leadership ability, and sheer dedication to the Navy. "The command is blessed with a lot of talent throughout the Petty Officer ranks, however, Petty Officer Secunda was a clear and unanamous choice for the award," said CDR Parent as he announced AE1 Secunda’s selection. "He is a n exemplary leader and technician whose efforts have been invaluable to the success of the command." Petty Officer Secunda’s selection for this award follows closely on the heels of an extremely successful Mediterranean/North Arabian Sea deployment for the Tophatters, during which the maintenance department was honored with three Carrier Air Wing Eight "Golden Wrench" Awards for maintenance excellence. AE1 Secunda and his team of highly trained technicians made contributions that were essential to this rare achievement.

Petty Officer Secunda came to the Tophatters in May of 1995 from NAMTRAGRUDET at Oceana, where he had served as an instructor for F-14 electrical systems. Within a year of joining the squadron, AE1 Officer Secunda was assigned Leading Petty Officer of the Aviation Electrical Branch. He has continued to serve in that capacity throughout his tour. Among his innovations in administering the electrical branch, AE1 Secunda implemented a subject matter expert program for his electricians, requiring each member of his shop to study and lecture on one particular aspect of the F-14’s electrical system. It’s an idea typical of Petty Officer Secunda, who has always placed a great emphasis on training. "The newly arriving airmen are happy to work hard and get the job done," he explains, "its up to the senior members of the shop to take charge and really teach." Asked what traits he considers most important in a leader, AE1 Secunda lists thorough knowledge, self discipline, the ability to lead by example, and above all a sincere interest in the welfare of those being lead. "The expression is true - if you take care of your people, they take care of you," he notes, "and I’ve had great support from strong, talented people in my work center. I could have never won this award without their help." AE1 Secunda observes that this kind of teamwork among the members of the electrical branch is essential to a squadron’s success: "Because of the Tomcat’s many electrical-mechanical actuators, electricians are often troubleshooting systems right alongside air-framers, power plant technicians, and aviation structural mechanics . . . so the AE shop has to be strong."

AE1 Daniel Secunda accepts 1997 Sailor of the YEAR
click on image to enlarge

AE1 Secunda hopes to conclude his tour with VF-14 by mastering further challenges. "Of course I’d like to make Chief before I leave this command," he notes. "I also hope for the opportunity to work as a Line Coordinator." We among the Tophatters wish Petty Officer Secunda continued success and good fortune in his Naval career.

Also recognized at VF-14’s Christmas party were AT1 James Weisenger and AD2 Randal Harris, both meritoriously promoted under the Command Advancement Program. Congratulations to all three outstanding petty officers, whose efforts have contributed so much to the success of a great squadron!