• NAS NORTH ISLAND, Calif.
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Hospitality Group recognized its top hotels and team members here on May 13 during its training symposium.
“Each year, we recognize our top Navy hotels for the outstanding guest service and operations and the financial performance they achieve,” said Ron Loman, senior vice president (SVP), NEXCOM Hospitality Group.
“In addition, we also recognize those Navy hotel associates who go above and beyond to support not only their guests, but their hotel and fellow associates,” he said. “These associates and facilities are truly the best of the best.”
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Patricia Givens, guest services representative, Navy Lodge Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va., was named the 2025 NEXCOM Hospitality Group Associate of the Year.
Since her hire in 2024, Givens has assisted during critical staffing shortages, stepping in without hesitation to work extended hours, including back-to-back shifts, to ensure seamless operations.
In addition, her attentiveness helped reunite a missing individual with their family.
Luis Bernal Neva, assistant general manager (GM), Navy Lodge Rota, Spain, received the Excellence in Operations Award.
Under his leadership, Navy Lodge Rota exceeded profit expectations and achieved outstanding guest satisfaction scores in 2025.
Ashley Spencer, front office manager, Navy Inn Kings Bay, Ga., received the Excellence in Leadership Award.
In her position, Spencer managed dual properties, oversaw major operations and helped to generate over $1.5 million in revenue all while consistently driving results while strengthening team morale.
Ottavio Fortunato, housekeeping operations clerk, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites Sigonella, Italy, was the recipient of the Heart of the House Award.
In his position, Fortunato oversees housekeeping operations for the 583-room, two-site Navy Gateway Inns & Suites property with over 7,500 guests checking out in 2025.
His ability to quickly clean and turn over rooms significantly reduced room downtime, increased occupancy and prevented lost revenue directly enhancing the guest experience and operational efficiency.
Judy Nutter, guest services representative, Navy Inn Jacksonville, Fla., received the Guest Voice Award for consistently delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
David David, housekeeper foreman, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, Yokosuka, Japan, was presented with The Innovation Award, given to associates who have introduced innovative ideas or technologies.
David implemented digital tracking systems that eliminated the need for paper logs, forms and reports that dramatically reduced paper waste, minimized environmental impact and aligned housekeeping operations with the NEXCOM Hospitality Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Two associates received the NEXCOM Hospitality Group Manager of the Year Awards. The winners were Secelia Donovan, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, Okinawa, Japan, and Michael Rabideau, general manager (GM), Navy Lodge San Diego, Calif.
Both were recognized for their leadership, strong financial performance, improved guest satisfaction and maintaining exceptional quality standards.
TOP NAVY HOTELS
Three outstanding properties were awarded the Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Award for Excellence in Lodging Management. The 2025 winners were Navy Inn North Island, Calif.; Navy Inn Hampton Roads Joint Staff College, Norfolk, Va.; and Navy Inn Point Loma (main base), Calif.
The award recognizes installations that provide exceptional facilities, amenities and service to their guests and for consistent superior management in all functional areas in lodging operations.
Three Navy Lodges were recognized with the Edward E. Carlson Award. The 2025 Navy Lodge of the Year grand winner was Navy Lodge San Diego, Calif. The winner in the small lodge category was Navy Lodge Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, while Navy Lodge North Island, Calif., won for the medium sized lodge category.
This award is given to the Navy Lodge that has the highest scores in guest and associate satisfaction, operations, quality assurance assessment and financial performance.
Source: NEXCOM
Edited by Larry Lapka
