The Navy celebrated their elite at the annual Sailor and Marine of the Year awards Friday.

The Friday event, sponsored by the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League and the Oak Harbor Rotary, chooses a sea sailor, a shore sailor and a marine each year to honor.

The award winners are chosen for sustained superior performance, leadership and meritorious achievement well beyond the call of duty.

Sea Sailor of the Year is Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Petty Officer Chad Petersen, who is currently on deployment with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One and was unable to attend the event.

Petersen’s wife, Dawn Petersen, attended in his place.

The sailor is pursuing an associate’s degree in emergency management through Coastline Community College where he made the Honor’s List for spring 2014.

Other awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Military Volunteer Service Medal and Flag Letters of Commendation.

Shore Sailor of the Year is Logistics Specialist First Class Petty Officer Melissa Richard, who works at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit.

Richard was awarded with Sailor of the Quarter, Instructor of the Quarter and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Marine of the Year is Staff Sgt. Ray W. Muro, who is also with the Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit.

Muro’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraqi ISAF Medal.

The ceremony was held in a packed room at the Officers Club and included many active duty personnel, community leaders and members of Navy League and Rotary.

Base commander Capt. Mike Nortier was in attendance, along with Oak Harbor Mayor Scott Dudley and Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson.