A Belle Plaine native was honored by being named Senior Sailor of the Year aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. According to a release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach, Petty Officer 1st Class Blake Chekal was named the Senior Sailor of the Year. This award is given to an exemplary sailor selected by a board of senior enlisted out of multiple competitive entries. Chekal joined the Navy 12 years ago, but today, Chekal serves as a machinist mate (nuclear) responsible for the operation of the propulsion plants onboard. Operating out of San Diego, California, USS Abraham Lincoln is America’s fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.
Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB