In a ceremony at HMAS Kuttabul on March 6, Leading Seaman Jesse Nicholson was announced as the Royal Australian Navy's 2026 Sailor of the Year.
Leading Seaman Nicholson, born in Hobart, Tasmania, joined the Navy in February 2019, just two months after completing Year 12.
Motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully and pursue hands-on work, he enlisted as an electronics technician.
The Sailor of the Year program recognises the exceptional dedication, professionalism and service of Navy people.
Sailors make up more than 70 per cent of Navy's workforce, and their expertise and commitment are essential to enabling their mission at sea and ashore.
Eight finalists were selected to partake in the program and were nominated by their shipmates and superiors in recognition of their outstanding service and contribution.
Earlier this month, the finalists travelled to Canberra and Sydney, where they met with senior Navy leaders, visited Parliament House, and spoke with the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh.
They also attended a Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial and participated in a training day designed to promote teamwork and resilience.
The finalists will form a 2026 Sailor Advisory Council that will provide insights and perspectives to the Warrant Officer of the Navy on matters affecting Navy's sailors.
'Sailors enable Navy's power at sea and our ships cannot sail without them.'
At the award ceremony, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond spoke about the high standard set by this year's finalists in the program.
"Our finalists, and recipient, represent the calibre of sailor who defines the modern profession of our Navy," Vice Admiral Hammond said.
Warrant Officer of the Navy Andrew Bertoncin described the attributes of award recipients.
"The Sailor of the Year embodies the true saltwater diplomat, a sailor whose conduct strengthens partnerships, reinforces deterrence and carries forward the legacy of those who have served before," Warrant Officer Bertoncin said.
"Sailors enable Navy's power at sea and our ships cannot sail without them."
In his acceptance speech, Leading Seaman Nicholson acknowledged the great honour in receiving the award and spoke of the work ahead.
"I am incredibly proud of each of our finalists and their individual contributions to our Navy and look forward to working alongside them as they form the Sailor Advisory Council," Leading Seaman Nicholson said.
"Being selected as the 2026 Sailor of the Year is a huge honour and responsibility.
"I am looking forward to enacting positive change within Navy on behalf of all sailors across Navy."
