AO1 Melissa Hubenak

When asked to describe Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Melissa Hubenak, senior enlisted members in her command use the words "leader," "mentor" and "best of the best."

As leading petty officer for the base's weapons division, the full-time support sailor motivates many sailors new to the fleet. Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Joseph Stone, the operations department's leading chief petty officer, praised her work in molding a group of raw recruits into a cohesive, efficient unit. He also noted that under her direction, the weapons division received a passing grade on its explosive safety inspection for the first time in six years.

Hubenak also is helping her community recover from 2005's Hurricane Katrina. She led a group of 30 sailors who demolished a storm-damaged home and helped rebuild facilities for Rescue Ranch, which cares for abused horses.