Independence's Sailor and Petty Officer for the month of August as well as the Supervisor of the Quarter were recently named by Capt. Mark R. Milliken, Indy's Commanding Officer.

Operations Specialist Seaman Brandon Hestwood, a native of Sulphur Springs, Texas and Disbursing Clerk 2nd Class (SW) Romeo Labonete, from Manila, Philippines were awarded the honor of Sailor and Petty Officer of the Month, respectively. Personnelman 1st Class (SW/AW) David Potts of Murraysville,W.Va. was selected as the Supervisor of the Quarter. Each Sailor will be presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Hestwood, who has been on board for almost three years, works in the Commanding Officer's tactical plot where he detects and tracks surface contacts. "He wants to learn everything there is to know about his rate," said OS3 Joseph Brown, CO-Plot workcenter supervisor. "He always does his job with the utmost professionalism, in addition to going beyond the call of duty."

"I enjoy my job because it's interesting and there is always something to learn," said Hestwood. "You can never learn enough."

DK2 (SW) Labonete is responsible for the maintenance and the replenishment of two of the six Automated Teller Machines on board. "He's does what he's asked and is a go-getter," said DKCS (SW/AW) Servelo Rullan, Disbursing LCPO, a native of Pangasinan, Philippines. "Labonete is an ambassador of good will because he attends many community relations projects."

Although this is a big achievement for Labonette, he's not stopping here. According to Rullan, Labonette is 80 percent finished with his Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification. PN1 (SW/AW) Potts, the Supervisor of the Quarter, has been on board for two and a half years.