Filipino sailor named Blue Jacket of the Year

MILLINGTON, Tenn. — A sailor from Olongapo City, Philippines, has been recognized for exemplary service with Navy Medicine in California, marking a milestone achievement for a Filipino immigrant serving in the United States Navy.

U.S. Navy Hospitalman Ryan Dhel Elamparo was recently selected as the 2025 Blue Jacket of the Year in support of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Camp Pendleton.

The Blue Jacket of the Year award is given annually to an enlisted sailor who demonstrates sustained superior performance, leadership, and professionalism throughout the year.

“This is my first board, and I won, which really means a lot to me,” Elamparo said. “I would never have gotten this award without the guidance and help of my leadership and family, and hopefully, I will have a chance to pass it down to one of my junior sailors.”

Elamparo is a 2021 graduate of St. Columban High School in Olongapo City, where he said his upbringing instilled the discipline and work ethic that continue to guide him in uniform.

“Back in Olongapo, we have a saying, ‘Bawal ang tamad sa Olongapo,’ which means ‘No lazy people allowed in Olongapo,’” Elamparo said. “That mindset has stayed with me throughout my Navy career, because there is no room for laziness when you are on duty and serving the country. It reminds me to take pride in my work, stay disciplined and always give my best in everything I do.”

Elamparo joined the U.S. Navy two years ago after immigrating to the United States.

“I joined the Navy as an immigrant to give back to the country that gave me opportunity, stability and a better future,” Elamparo said. “Serving allows me to show my gratitude through service.”

He currently serves as a hospital corpsman at NMRTC Camp Pendleton, a command tasked with maximizing warfighter performance and enhancing the readiness of the Navy’s medical force.

NMRTC Camp Pendleton is composed primarily of military personnel who support Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and prepare medical teams to deploy and provide care to Navy and Marine Corps units ashore and at sea.

Navy Medicine, which includes more than 44,000 military and civilian health care professionals, delivers expeditionary medical support to warfighters on, below, and above the sea, as well as on land.

Elamparo’s recognition comes as the U.S. Navy marks its role in national defense during the 250th anniversary of American independence.

According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.

With about 90% of global commerce transported by sea and undersea fiber optic cables supporting internet connectivity, Navy leaders continue to emphasize that U.S. prosperity depends on recruiting and retaining talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

As Elamparo and his fellow sailors carry out their missions, they take pride in serving in the U.S. Navy and safeguarding the American way of life.

Elamparo credited his family for their continued encouragement and support throughout his journey.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my Auntie Luz and Uncle Terry for giving me the opportunities that I have today,” Elamparo added. “I am also deeply thankful to my mom and dad, as well as my brothers and sisters, Rd, Karess and Rain, for always standing by me during challenging times. Your constant support and encouragement mean more to me than words can express. Thank you all, and I love you guys.”

This article is based on a report by Ensign Han Fiori-Puyu, Navy Office of Community Outreach, first published on the U.S. Navy blog under the title “Sailor from the Philippines recognized as Blue Jacket of the Year with Navy Medicine in California.”