HMCS Calgary sailor honoured for his diligence

Master Sailor Jeffrey Horan is the recipient of the Canadian Fleet Pacific Sailor of the Quarter (2022-2023) Award. His award was presented by Commodore David Mazur, Commanding Officer Canadian Fleet Pacific, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Dave Bisal, Fleet Chief, in a ceremony at HMCS Calgary’s Shore Office on Feb. 14.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Master Sailor (MS) Jeffrey Horan, a hard-working Marine Technician of HMCS Calgary, is the latest Canadian Fleet Pacific Sailor of the Quarter Award recipient.

“He has demonstrated outstanding technical acumen, readiness to tackle unique challenges, advanced administration and development of subordinates under his charge,” said Commander (Cdr) Adriano Lozer, Calgary’s Commanding Officer.

Cdr Lozer said due to personnel constraints, MS Horan has been the only Master Sailor in the Marine Systems Engineering department and has therefore taken on more excellent administrative and leadership responsibilities for a significant number of junior technicians.

While presenting him with an award covering the final quarter of the fiscal year (2022-2023), Cdr Lozer described MS Horan as someone who routinely takes on more responsibility and goes above and beyond what is expected of him.

Cdr Lozer noted that MS Horan ‘scrupulously’ developed a training regime to aid all Marine Systems Engineers (MSE) members under training to complete their objectives while offering mentorship and guidance to them.

Receiving the award and recognition from the command team came as quite a surprise to MS Horan, who says his main intention was to influence his coworkers during difficult times positively.

“It’s nice to know that my hard work has not gone unnoticed,” he said. “It is also important to point out the amazing individuals and mentors who work just as hard and are just as deserving of this award, so, I personally want to thank all for your hard work that is shown every day.” 

MS Horan received a commemorative coin and a short-term preferred parking spot inside the Dockyard gates.

He was also recognized for commitments outside of his work responsibilities.

MS Horan organized departmental softball events and luncheons to increase morale and esprit de corps. He was also recognized for supporting a subordinate who sought mental health treatment and ensured a supervisor received emergency mental health care when it was suspected their life was at risk.

“Mental health has really been hard on my fellow sailors, friends and family within the RCN over the past few years,” said MS Horan. “Taking the responsibilities of co-workers with higher ranks allows them to focus on getting healthy and coming back to work safely.” 

MS Horan says his extraordinary efforts in the workplace would not have been possible without the support of his wife Marli and sons Chase and Thorin.

“Your constant support pushes me to succeed, making these moments possible and I will love you always and forever,” MS Horan concluded.