Oak Harbor honors NAS Whidbey sailors at annual luncheon

Oak Harbor’s ties to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island were on full display at the Navy League’s annual Sailor of the Year luncheon, where the city publicly recognized sailors whose work reaches far beyond the fence line of the base. At the Elks Lodge, Oak Harbor High School’s NJROTC presented the colors as current and former city officials looked on, underscoring how deeply the installation is woven into island life.

First Class Aviation Electronics Technician Alberto Davila, Hospital Corpsman First Class Fabian Morales and Cryptologic Technician First Class Chivaun S. Sosa were honored as the Reserve, Shore and Sea Sailors of the Year. Their selection reflected more than technical skill. Capt. Nathan Gammache, the commanding officer at NAS Whidbey Island, and retired Capt. Dave Williams said candidates are chosen for performance, leadership, job scope, community involvement and command participation. Seven other sailors also received Command Sailor of the Year honors, broadening the recognition beyond the three headline awardees.

The Navy League chapter behind the luncheon has deep roots in Oak Harbor. The Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League says it was established in 1954, and the national organization dates to 1902, founded with support from President Theodore Roosevelt. Its mission centers on supporting, educating and advocating for the sea services, a message that fit a room filled with sailors, civic leaders and supporters who depend on NAS Whidbey as one of Island County’s defining institutions.

Todd Morrow, the Navy League chapter president, described the luncheon as a way for the community to recognize sailors who distinguish themselves in service to shipmates, commands and country. That public thank-you has become part of Oak Harbor’s civic calendar. In 2020, Mayor Bob Severns proclaimed Jan. 24 as Sailor of the Year Day, and the luncheon that year drew a capacity crowd of roughly 160 Navy personnel along with community and business leaders. That same event also honored families, with medals and citations presented to spouses and children as well as the awardees.

The tradition stretches back decades. In December 2012, the Oak Harbor Navy League and Rotary Club held the groups’ 39th annual Sailor and Marine of the Year awards at the Officers’ Club on NAS Whidbey Island. More recently, Sailors of the Year have even been featured as lead entries in Oak Harbor’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade, another sign that the base’s people are recognized not just inside their commands, but in the streets of the city they call home.