CNFJ Sailor presented with Peter Tomich Award

fileYOKOSUKA, Japan (February 18, 2016) - Senior Chief Religious Program Specialist Tshombe Harris, attached to Commander Naval Forces Japan was presented with the Peter Tomich Distinguished Graduate Award during his graduation ceremony from the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, RI Feb 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Phil Beaufort/RELEASED).
02/19/16

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Senior Chief Religious Program Specialist Tshombe Harris, assigned to Commander Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Peter Tomich Award during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Enlisted Academy at Newport, R.I. Feb 12.

The 88 students of Class 193 nominated six of their peers for this prestigious award; the Director and key faculty leadership selected the recipient after careful consideration of academic standing, leadership, contributions to the class, and a board.

In a letter to CNFJ, the Senior Enlisted Academy Director, Command Master Chief Richard G. Curtis Jr. wrote, “Your graduate superbly distinguished himself by demonstrating an unselfish attitude, an unquenchable desire and a complete devotion to the uniform he represents during the twelve-week curriculum.”

According to Command Master Chief Joseph Fahrney, CNFJ, Harris’ selection and that he made the Dean’s List came as no surprise.

“While I am extremely pleased and proud of Senior Chief Harris, his selection in no way surprises me.  He is an outstanding leader and mentor, whose positive influence has been felt across Navy Region Japan.  I am proud to serve with him and even prouder that he is my Shipmate," said Fahrney.

After the award presentation Harris spoke to his fellow students.

“It is an extreme honor to accept this award considering that Peter Tomich exemplified what it means to be a Sailor, and much more a Chief.  Long before our Creed was scripted, Chief Watertender Tomich believed in a standard of excellence and the fair treatment of all: good or bad,” said Harris.  “The Religious Program Specialists’ motto is “Exceeding the Expected;” therefore, I say that the expectation or standard is to lead in the spirit of our core values, and it is our job to exceed that expectation.”

In 1981, the U.S. Navy built the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, R.I. and named the building Tomich Hall in honor of Chief Water Tender Peter Tomich.  He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions he took during Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Tomich's Medal of Honor is on display on the quarterdeck of Tomich Hall. Subsequently, the Navy League has sponsored the Tomich Award to the most distinguished graduate of each class as selected by the Director and Faculty.

 

You are signed in as:anonymous

Comments

No comments yet

Share This Page

This is an Official US Navy Website
Switch to Full Site
Switch to Mobile Site