Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F) named Legalman 1st Class Kashetah Bedford the 2016 Shore Sailor of the Year. The award was announced during a ceremony held at the C3F headquarters building in San Diego, Jan. 24. Bedford, from Franklinton, La., attached to C3F as the fleet legal office leading petty officer, leads 11 Sailors spanning five diverse work centers and four different ratings. She is responsible for the organization and management of the Fleet Legal Office, and has expertly supervised the administration of military justice and legal assistance issues for C3F and seven subordinate Flag level staffs. During the award period, Bedford served as the command mentorship coordinator, command enlisted watchbill coordinator and enlisted information warfare database manager. Additionally, she was the action officer for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016 Legal Symposium, where she coordinated a 2-day multinational event for 40 legal advisors from 10 partner nations.
"Her stellar reputation around the Fleet led to her hand selection to fill a mission critical gapped billet at Expeditionary Strike Group 3," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael J. Hussey, deputy fleet judge advocate/environmental counsel. "She provides invaluable mentorship to a junior legalman."
Beyond her work responsibilities, Bedford coordinated command-wide community outreach events which included Adopt-a-Highway, Veteran's Home of California and Feeding the Homeless.
"Receiving this honor means the world to me," Bedford said. "This award is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of the Sailors I have the privilege to lead. Together, we put in the hard work and I am proud to serve as there representative."
Bedford attended the Naval Justice School as an unrated Seaman in January 2000. Upon graduation she was meritoriously promoted to Third Class Petty Officer and received orders to Naval Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic. She holds an Associate of Science degree from Roger Williams University in Paralegal Studies. C3F leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line.