Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy M. Harris of St. Joseph has earned the Pacific Sea Sailor of the Year award by the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

Harris was named one the NECC’s Sea, Shore, and Reserve Sailors of the Year and one of the top Sailors to advance to the next level during a luncheon on Feb. 10 in Virginia Beach, Va.

Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, Commander, NECC addressed the Sailors during the luncheon and congratulated them on their successes in reaching this point in the competition.

“When you become the number one Sailor in a Command, let alone one of our Groups, that’s an enormous compliment to your hard work, dedication to the mission, and commitment to your fellow Sailors.  As military professionals it is up to us to do everything in our power to enable success,” said Morneau.

Harris was among several Sailors of the Year who said they were shocked when their names were called.

“I had to repeat it to myself a few times that they actually said the PACFLT SEA SOY was me,” said Harris. “I think my Master Chief nudged me to get up to move. Walking up to the podium and even thinking about what I was going to say was jargon in my head, but I just had to regain focus and enjoy the moment. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

The Navy said Harris has served in the Navy for 12 years as a construction mechanic. He is a Stewartsville C-II High School graduate and is currently serving with U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3.

All five of the winners will now go on to the next level of competition at their respective geographical locations.