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)