The Navy has announced this year’s recipients of the Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award, given annually to a pair of current or former commanding officers — one each from Fleet Forces Command and the Pacific Fleet — for inspirational leadership.

Cmdr. Eric M. Sager, former commanding officer of the submarine California, was selected from Fleet Forces Command, and Cmdr. Brian M. Drechsler, former commanding officer of SEAL Team Five, was the Pacific Fleet pick.

Candidates for these awards are nominated by peers.

Stockdale, who was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War, was held as a prisoner of war for over seven years in North Vietnam.

Stockdale’s Navy career “symbolized the highest standards of excellence in both personal conduct and leadership,” according to a NAVADMIN released today.

The 2017 winners were chosen from among nine outstanding finalists in a review process that included screening at the fleet commander level and a final selection by a board of senior officers.

U. S. Fleet Forces finalists:

Cmdr. Steven L. Liberty, commanding officer of the destroyer Ramage.

Cmdr. Donald G. Wetherbee, former commanding officer, SEAL Team Four.

Cmdr. Shane T. Marchesi, commanding officer, Strike Fighter Squadron 87.

Pacific Fleet finalists:

Cmdr. Gilbert Ayan, commanding officer of the destroyer Milius.

Cmdr. Eric J. Rozek, commanding officer of the submarine Mississippi.

Cmdr. Joseph W. Cortopassi, former commanding officer, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12.

Cmdr. Geoffrey W. Townsend, commanding officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3.


About Mark D. Faram

Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.

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