Koa Kai Award - East
The Billy Hurley III Foundation “Koa Kai Award – East” recognizes Navy enlisted sailors (E-6 and junior) on the Mayport waterfront who have demonstrated exceptional professional competence. Selection for this award will be based on the ideals and qualities which were important to Billy and his shipmates on sea duty. These include watch team back up, leading from the front, proactive problem solving, and investment in the training of peers and subordinates. Sailors must be stationed on a surface ship home-ported in Mayport, Florida to be considered for this award.
Koa Kai is Hawaiian for “sea warrior” and became important to Billy during his active duty time aboard USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG-93) whose motto is “Imua e, na koa kai” (Go forward, sea warriors). Billy was also stationed in Mayport aboard USS GETTYSBURG (CG-64)
2024 KOA KAI EAST AWARDEES | |||
Rank | First Name | Last Name | Ship |
GSE1 | Adam | Bledsoe | USS INDIANAPOLIS (LCS 17) |
GSE1 | Monet | Dipalma | USS MINNEAPOLIS-SAINT PAUL (LCS 21) |
FC1 | William | Edenfield | USS MASON (DDG 87) |
BM2 | Ahmed | El Haroun | USS MASON (DDG 87) |
EN1 | Daniel | Elliot | USS COOPERSTOWN (LCS-23) |
NC1 | Jacob | Fields | USS THOMAS HUDNER (DDG 116) |
GSM2 | Tanner | Furbee | USS LASSEN (DDG 82) |
OS2 | Rachel | Hale | USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) |
DC1 | Joe | Johnson | USS THOMAS HUDNER (DDG 116) |
FCA1 | Sarah | Kimmich | USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99) |
QM1 | Taverious | Lee | USS LASSEN ( DDG 82) |
BM1 | Alexandria | McHellon | USS MARINETTE (LCS 25) |
ET1 | Robert | Rogers | USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) |
Applications Open September 8, 2025 (Monday)
Applications Close September 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
Application
(All sections are required, if not applicable put “N/A”)
Are you stationed in Mayport, FL? (you must be stationed in Mayport to apply)
**Required – Endorsement from Chain of Command:
Please have one person in sailor’s CoC send an endorsement email to: KoaKaiAward@billyhurley3.com
Subject Line: BH3F Koa Kai Award – East ICO Sailor’s Name
