The chiefs and command of the USCGC Hickory have announced their selection of Jose J. Correa, a machinery technician second class, as the ship’s Fall 2014 Sailor of the Quarter.

The honor is bestowed on a crewmember who shows superior performance of duty and service to the cutter and local community, and proves to be an exceptional member of the United States Coast Guard, said Ensign David Parker, the ship’s public affairs officer, in a press release issued Nov. 20.

Correa has been stationed aboard the Hickory for three years and is due to transfer to another Coast Guard unit next summer. He is a member of the Hickory’s auxiliary machinery division and specializes in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. His insights led to the recent discovery of a problem with the ship’s auxiliary salt water system, a problem that reduced performance of the Hickory’s refrigeration system and endangered other essential shipboard systems, according to Parker. In addition to solving the problem, Correa shared his solution with the Coast Guard’s 15-vessel sea-going buoy tender fleet.

Correa also is credited with training new personnel and helping others learn the ship’s engineering systems and procedures. Active with the ship’s Morale Committee, he instituted an ATV program that encourages members to safely enjoy the Alaskan outdoors.

“His diligence and foresight on several morale projects have saved the Hickory thousands of dollars by reducing and increasing equipment efficiency and availability,” the press release said.

Along with his wife, Idamis, Correa has become involved in the local community while stationed in Homer. As a member of the Homer Elks club, he has helped raise funds for Wounded Warrior programs and supported the Elks’ youth program.

“He has volunteered in helping with any events we have,” said Marlena Hodgdon, the Homer club’s Exalted Ruler. “He helps me in the kitchen cooking, helps decorate. We have youth dances and he helps volunteer, decorate and chaperone. … Whatever I need done, he helps out.”

In spite of Correa’s responsibilities aboard the Hickory, Hodgdon said Correa also manages to attend Elks Club meetings.

“He’s definitely stepped up and helped us,” said Hodgdon. “He’s a great person. We’ll miss him when he does leave.”

It is that level of involvement, both to the Coast Guard and to Homer, that have earned Correa the “sailor of the quarter” distinction.

“MK2 Correa’s extraordinary work ethic, positive attitude and willingness to help others serves as an outstanding model for the crew,” Parker said in the press release.

The 225-foot USCGC Hickory is a sea-going buoy tender whose primary mission is servicing aids to navigation from Cook Inlet to the Kuskokwim River.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.