Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) named its top sailor from the Navy Reserve who will go on to compete in a branch-wide competition later this year.
Electronics Technician First Class Carl R. Frost II, representing Navy Reserve SurgeMain Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) – Raleigh, was named the Reserve Sailor of the Year. He was honored at a ceremony earlier this year along with other recipients.
“These exceptional recipients reflect the excellence and dedication of Sailors across the Enterprise,” said Vice Adm. Jim Downey, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command and Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Industrial Operations. “They stand among 10 extraordinary finalists this year—technical leaders who impact their commands and accelerate Fleet readiness. They are the Warfighters who make our Navy great.”
Finding military service later in life
In 2016, Frost was 30 years old, living in Holly Springs, North Carolina. He was working at a local auto parts store, supporting a wife and a 3-year-old daughter born with a heart defect. That’s when his employer announced changes to its healthcare plan, substantially raising Frost’s deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
“I was paying $300 per paycheck for good benefits,” Frost recalled, “and then I was paying the same money for bottom-of-the-barrel coverage. I remember sharing my frustrations with a customer — kicking myself because I should’ve listened to the ‘old guys’ when I was 18. They told me to join the military [to get great benefits]. The customer encouraged me to take another look at the age requirements. Maybe it wasn’t too late.”
That fateful conversation forever changed the trajectory of Frost’s life. After joining the Navy Reserve, he completed bootcamp, earned his electronic technician rating at A-school, and was assigned to the SurgeMain Naval Shipyard at Norfolk. But the Navy had more in store for this sailor: A decade later — on April 17, 2026 — Frost would find himself standing on a stage at NAVSEA headquarters in Washington, DC, as the 2025 Reserve Sailor of the Year (SOY).
The program
The SOY program — originally established in 1972 for enlisted personnel — was expanded in 1973 and 1982 to include shore-based sailors and reservists respectively. The award for the reservist category highlights personnel from SurgeMain units who balance civilian careers and military service.
Frost was nominated by his unit senior enlisted leader, Gas Turbine System Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer Decoda Waite. According to Waite, he was the top performer of 99 first class petty officers in the entire SurgeMain East region, covering the Norfolk, Baltimore, Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Nashville areas.
“Our SurgeMain unit here in Raleigh is actually the largest in the region,” she said. “We have nearly 130 sailors, and Carl was handpicked to be the leading petty officer for our unit.”
‘Proactive mentorship’
In addition to his proven ET1 skills rating in the shipyard, Waite pointed to Frost’s work as a Navy career counselor to mentor junior sailors. In 2025, Frost was also chosen to oversee training requirements for the entire regional program, encompassing more than 250 sailors — a billet normally held by a chief petty officer.
When this reservist is not drilling with his team or supporting the shipyard, he runs a facility maintenance crew for Sheetz, Inc. — a large convenience store chain with locations in seven states, including North Carolina.
“Without my technical training through the military,” shared Frost, “there’s no way I would have qualified for that interview.”
Frost humbly credits his success to those who have supported him along the way.
“It’s my family,” he insisted. “It’s my unit. They all make me look good.”
SOY recognition is often a huge career booster. Frost hopes the award will give him a competitive edge in his pursuit to earn the rank of chief petty officer.
“I want those anchors so bad,” he said. “But in the meantime, like I told ‘em up there in DC, I’m just going to continue doing my job.”
Visit NAVSEA’s website to learn more about the current sailors of the year.