Petty Officer 1st Class Kimberly Ferguson Petty Officer 1st Class Kimberly Ferguson from Clearwater, Fla., enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 25, 1993. Following recruit training in Orlando, Fla., Ferguson transferred to Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Fla. for Cryptologic Technician Administrative "A" school.

Ferguson began her first assignment at Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola in April 1994, where she served as the administrative assistant and Navy Integrated Training Resources and Administration System coordinator for the department of student affairs. Tours followed at U.S. Naval Security Group Activity in Yokosuka, Japan, Naval Reserve Security Group, San Diego, Naval Medical Center, San Diego and her current assignment to Navy Information Operations Command, Ga.

Ferguson held a variety of jobs, including administrative assistant, direct support coordinator, full time support, Navy drug and alcohol counselor, leading petty officer and administrative chief.

Petty Officer Ferguson was promoted to her present rank in June 2001. She was selected as Sailor of the quarter five times and Sailor of the year four times throughout her career. Her personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), Good Conduct Medal (four awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and other service ribbons. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.

Ferguson is married to Benjamin Ferguson and has two children Matthew, 12 and Emma, 10.