HMCS Ottawa boatswain defies odds and receives Top Sailor award

Sailor First Class (S1) David Eaglestick has always been a firm believer in the power of the human spirit and perseverance.

The 35-year-old father of four has served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for 15 years and works as a Boatswain aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa. For his years of service, he is also now the proud recipient of the 2022 Sailor of the Year Award for Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC).

The award is known as the Captain (Navy) Peter Hinton Memorial Award for Leadership and Excellence in Service. Hinton’s RCN career spanned over 30 years and included the command of HMCS Columbia and HMCS Protecteur. His wife, Mrs. Geraldine Hinton, was on-hand to present the award to S1 Eaglestick.

“It was rewarding and a great honour to win this award but quite frankly, also a bit of a surprise,” S1 Eaglestick said.

Commodore David Mazur, Commander CANFLTPAC, presented the award in a ceremony aboard HMCS Ottawa on Apr. 22. S1 Eaglestick received a plaque, the Commander’s Coin, and a preferred parking spot at Maritime Forces Pacific.

Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Kevin Gibson, Ottawa’s Assistant Chief Boatswain Mate, said S1 Eaglestick’s dedication to the Navy and to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is what sets him apart.

“S1 Eaglestick embodies the true ethos and respect that every sailor, soldier and airperson should look toward as an example for what the CAF truly represents,” said PO1 Gibson.

S1 Eaglestick says the award acknowledges his success in 2022, but he believes his trajectory toward this career milestone began a few years ago.

“Until recently, I could never see myself winning an award like this,” he said. “Things have really come full circle.”

He says the recognition might never have come if not for a healthy dose of courage and determination. That’s because a few years ago, S1 Eaglestick had suffered two life-changing injuries.

“At that point, I was unable to work or exercise and thought I was pretty much on the way out of my naval career,” he said.

But S1 Eaglestick defied his own expectations. He followed his treatment plans and built a home gym to stay in shape during the pandemic. His health continues to improve and his recovery is ongoing.

An internal memo announcing his award said S1 Eaglestick ‘demonstrated aspects of a natural leader that are in line with CAF Institutional values’, while also noting his mentorship to fellow sailors and promoting an inclusive environment that helps ensure mission success.

S1 Eaglestick says his pride in receiving this award is confirmation of what inspired him to join the Navy years ago. He says he initially joined the RCN to be a positive role model for youth in his community. He grew up in Sagkeeng First Nation, a Treaty 1 Nation, near Fort Alexander, Man. He says his hometown is a place where people truly look up to the value and importance of military service.

“I’m looking forward to hanging up my [certificate] and plaque in a prominent place in my home,” said S1 Eaglestick.

“What I have overcome in the past few years is a huge source of pride for me and my family.”