2025 AOC Award Winners

Every year, AOC recognizes individuals and units for their outstanding performance in furthering the aims of the association in support of the United States or Allied achievements in electromagnetic warfare, electromagnetic spectrum operations, cyber-electromagnetic activity, and information operations.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s award winners for their exemplary service to our community!

Prestige Awards

Community Awards

Chapter Flow-Up Awards

Military

Chapters of the Year

Prestige Awards

AOC Gold Medal Award

Dave Hime

Honoring the visionary leadership that advanced electronic warfare from legacy self-protection to adaptive, distributed, cognitive systems – shaping global strategy, research, and doctrine across the Department of Defense, industry, and international partners to ensure enduring EMS superiority. Dave is a legend in the EW community and within the Association of Old Crows, and this honor reflects his extraordinary contributions and achievements.

Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal Award

Glenn “Powder” Carlson

For distinguished and far-reaching leadership across the electromagnetic spectrum community, as a decorated Air Force officer, influential industry leader, and steadfast AOC advocate. Powder’s remarkable contributions in each of these arenas embody the highest ideals of the Electronic Warfare Officer. His legacy will continue to shape the industry and the association for generations to come.

Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal Award – International

Gerhard Henselmann, Dipl.-Ing, MBA

In recognition of exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the German Red Baron Roost chapter of AOC. Through his visionary leadership and tireless efforts, he revitalized and strengthened an already distinguished chapter, enabling it to grow and thrive even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a cornerstone of the Red Baron Roost chapter, he enhanced the visibility and influence of AOC across Germany’s defense community, including industry, the armed forces, and academia, thereby solidifying its reputation as the nation’s preeminent defense support organization.

Anton D. "Tony" Brees Lifetime Service Award

Laurie Moe Buckhout

Honoring a lifetime of distinguished service and unwavering dedication to operations in the electromagnetic spectrum. As a career Army officer, advisor to the Defense Science Board, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Department of Defense, President and CEO of a leading defense consulting firm, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, and President of the Association of Old Crows, she has been a driving force in advancing technologies, capabilities, and workforce development in this vital domain. Her deep expertise, steadfast commitment, and extraordinary contributions to electronic warfare and EMS operations exemplify the highest standards of service and leadership, making her most deserving of this honor.

AOC Technology Hall of Fame Award

David A. Wilkes

Recognized for over 37 years of distinguished contributions to the development of electronic warfare technologies, pioneering experimentation, and the successful transition of capabilities to the warfighter – efforts that have measurably advanced USAF and DOD mission effectiveness across multiple operational domains.

Joseph W. Kearney Pioneer Award

Dr. Kyle Davidson

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of electronic warfare through a distinguished career spanning military service, academia, and industry. From his service with the Canadian Army to his academic leadership in teaching and research, and now as a trailblazer in industry, Dr. Davidson has consistently advanced EW capabilities by transforming cutting-edge research into operational solutions. His current work with Agile Electromagnetics, leveraging machine learning and multi-function antenna arrays to counter the threat of unmanned aerial systems, marks a significant advancement in modern EW systems. It exemplifies his commitment to innovation in defense of the electromagnetic spectrum.

John M. Clifford Award for the Advancement of the Electromagnetic Domain Award

Kevin Stillwell

For over 42 years of exceptional service and leadership in the electronic warfare and electromagnetic spectrum domain. Ken has been a cornerstone of the Test & Evaluation (T&E) community, offering invaluable guidance on the effective deployment of advanced test systems. His steadfast advocacy for cross-service and international collaboration has driven meaningful improvements, broadening the impact and utility of EW capabilities across the global defense community.

Community Awards

Engineering and Technical Excellence Award

Jimmy P. Washington

In honor of over 40 years of exceptional dedication and subject matter expertise in support of warfighters and advanced airborne sensors. Through his precise development of radar cross section (RCS) data in radio frequency (RF), he has enabled accurate combat identification and enhanced mission planning capabilities across global operations, making a lasting impact on the effectiveness and safety of joint forces worldwide.

Project Team of the Year Award

Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Task Force, 194th Wing of the Washington Air National Guard

For pioneering the Air National Guard’s first-of-its-kind electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) capability that seamlessly integrates cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, and AFSPECWAR to deliver multi-domain effects in support of joint warfighting objectives and homeland defense. This groundbreaking achievement sets a new standard for EMSO integration and operational readiness.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations at Phoenix Dawn 2025

EW Professional Outstanding Young Crow Award

Staff Sergeant Dylan Demetrius, USAF

Celebrating exceptional leadership and technical expertise that have significantly advanced joint force mission effectiveness and the development of next-generation electronic warfare tactics, techniques, and procedures. His visionary contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence distinguish him as a trailblazing leader and a consummate EW professional.

Professional Outstanding Achievement Award

Rodney Wheeler

For outstanding professional and community service in advancing the discipline of electronic warfare. His leadership in implementing model-based systems engineering methodologies within NASA and the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space has driven innovation and strengthened the integration of EW capabilities across critical defense and aerospace programs.

Chapter Flow-Up Awards

Academic and Educational Excellence Award

Dr. Vijayanand Kowtha

For decades of distinguished service and vast academic endeavors to expand and enable the knowledge base of the multiple scientific domains in mathematics, science, and engineering. Dr. Kowtha’s untiring efforts to mentor, motivate, and lead economically disadvantaged students in STEM pursuits resulted in award-winning teams in robotics competitions in both the United States and the United Kingdom. His passion for advancing scientific and engineering capabilities and technologies will ensure the United States maintains its competitive scientific advantage throughout the decades ahead.

Outstanding Chapter Support

Jessica Derr

In celebration of the exceptional support to the Kittyhawk Chapter of AOC, especially her unwavering commitment, dedication, and valuable contributions to foster shared goals among members, sponsors, industry partners, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Military Awards

Military Service Award – Air Force

Captain Jordan Sessler, USAF

Recognized as the foremost tactical and technical expert in leading the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron’s 45-member initial cadre. His instrumental role in developing the EA-37B syllabus and 18 comprehensive training guides has laid the foundation for the next generation of electronic attack capability and readiness.

Military Service Award – Army

First Lieutenant William Parrish, USA

For the innovative application of tactical electromagnetic warfare to address force protection gaps, delivering scalable solutions that improved electromagnetic awareness, system integration, and survivability across Army units in deployed environments.

Military Service Award – Navy

Lieutenant Evan Anthony Jones, USN

For innovative leadership, LT Jones optimized EW database processes, reduced SLQ-32(V)6 library reprogramming at sea timelines by 39.8%, and supported critical operations, significantly enhancing Navy Surface Ship ASMD capabilities and fleet readiness.

Military Service Award – International

Lieutenant Colonel Pasquale Iorillo, Italian Armed Forces

For championing electronic warfare and fostering spectrum awareness within the Italian Armed Forces and across NATO. Lt. Col. Iorillo has made significant contributions to the global EW community through his insightful writings and active engagement as a subject matter expert and panelist at international events. His work has deepened our collective understanding of emerging spectrum threats and the strategies needed to counter them, leaving a lasting impact on the allied EW community that will continue to shape its future.

Military Unit Excellence Award

31st Operations Support Squadron (OSS), US Air Force

Honoring outstanding achievement for groundbreaking EW advancements and innovative integration. The 31st OSS strengthens our global collaboration, enhances warfighter capabilities, and champions excellence.

Military Individual Excellence Award

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Irvin, USA

In tribute to exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing electronic warfare and cyber disciplines, strengthening multinational partnerships, mentoring soldiers, and embodying Army and AOC values to achieve enduring operational excellence and readiness.

Outstanding Unit Award – Air Force

380th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron

The 380th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron distinguished itself by solving critical operational challenges, leading innovation, and delivering global combat effects across three AORs. Responding to a 733% spike in regional electromagnetic activity, the unit coordinated a $1M upgrade, boosting spectrum monitoring by 90%. They led Bounty Hunter combat operations and built partnerships with nine organizations across four commands. Crows also led the first-ever Tier-1 exercise with Japan’s Space Operations Group, strengthening international space partnerships. Simultaneously, the squadron deployed 23 members who responded to 4.7K EW events, enabling seven enemy KIA and the destruction of 43 high-value targets across 18 named operations. Finally, their collaborative efforts directly supported the allied CSAR success of a downed F-16, maintaining two critical satellite links that led to the pilot’s rapid and safe recovery. The distinctive accomplishments of the 380th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron reflect credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.

Outstanding Unit Award – Air Force

Compass Call Fielding Team

The Compass Call Fielding Team distinguished itself within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command. A team of 27 members from 5 Air Force organizations executed $952M and drove 190 sorties through completion of a 7-phase Developmental Test regimen, culminating in the first-ever EA-37B Compass Call aircraft delivery. The team also expedited an $86M Small Adaptable Bank of Electronic Resources install, ensuring EA-37B’s first limited open architecture, which will field rapid EW software applications to the Indo-Pacific Command in 2026 to meet Air Combat Command’s number 1 priority. Finally, team members resolved 45 EC-130H emergency engineering requests, enabling three no-notice Higher Headquarters tasking and 50 combat, setting the foundation for EA-37B full fielding in 2025. The distinctive accomplishments of the Compass Call Fielding Team reflect credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.

Outstanding Unit Award – Navy (Sea)

USS Laboon (DDG 58)

For tactical excellence in Electronic Warfare during a nine-month combat deployment to the Fifth and Sixth Fleet AORS in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian, making significant contributions to the development of tactical electronic intelligence doctrine. USS Laboon’s distinctive accomplishments reflect the high standard of excellence in Electronic Warfare and Information Operations.

Outstanding Unit Award – Navy (Shore)

Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC)

Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command’s outstanding electromagnetic warfare support enhanced Fleet survivability efforts in the Red Sea. Additionally, their expertise in employment and development of tactics, Techniques, and procedures mitigated crucial fleet collection and capability gaps.

Outstanding Unit Award – Navy (Air)

Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Atlantic (HSMWSL)

After identifying critical capability gaps, HSMWSL originally designed and fielded platform-agnostic EW systems and stood up a tactical EW watch floor, giving tactical warfighters the capability to conduct counter-UAS operations and long-range collaborative geolocations

Outstanding Unit Award – Space Force

Space Force Delta 11

Space Force Delta 11 distinguished itself within STAROM, Shriever SFB CO. They identified significant shortfalls in global posturing and secured two overseas operations locations, enabling support for 10 additional joint exercises per year. Additionally, Space Delta 11 procured an advanced EW suite, reconfigured mission systems, optimized space threat replication, and increased the DoD’s range control capability by 150%. Furthermore, the team unified three joint operational need requirements, leading to the introduction of 5 groundbreaking EW capabilities for the DoD, and laid the foundation for a next-generation EW Operation Test and Training Infrastructure. Finally, Space Delta 11 played an instrumental role in combat certification of joint forces, driving EW training for 4 Navy Carrier Strike Group pre-deployment certification events, ensuring crew preparation for, and driving Space Force combat readiness, resulting in the validation of objectives and EW tactics. The distinctive accomplishments of Space Delta 11 reflect credit upon themselves and the United States Space Force.