190516-N-UM741-004 WASHINGTON (May16, 2019) Vice Chief of Naval Operations Bill Moran, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell L. Smith, center, and distinguished guests cut the ribbon of the Delbert D. Black National Chief’s Mess after the 2018 Sailor of the Year pinning. The program was established in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet to recognize an individual Sailor who best represented the ever-growing group of dedicated professional Sailors at each command and ultimately the Navy. SOY finalists participated in a variety of personal and professional evaluations as well as leadership, naval heritage and team-building events throughout the week around Washington D.C. (U.S. Navy photo by Cryptologic Technician (Networks) 2nd Class Winter Griffith/Released)