2026 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!
Awards will be presented at the AOC International Symposium & Convention, December 8–10, 2026, in National Harbor, MD.
Prestige Awards
AOC Gold Medal Award
Mari Kovach
In recognition of steadfast leadership, unwavering dedication, and exceptional mentorship across the military, industry, and professional communities. For more than four decades, she has quietly shaped the future of electromagnetic warfare by developing, advancing, and delivering critical EW systems and enabling technologies, while inspiring and mentoring generations of professionals.
AOC Gold Medal Award – International
Mark Threadgold
In recognition of transformational contributions to the testing, analysis, and assessment of electromagnetic warfare systems. His visionary leadership revolutionized the methodologies, tools, and practices of EW test and evaluation, elevating laboratory testing from a supporting function to an indispensable capability for validating the performance of today's most advanced systems. His innovations have established the foundation for modern EW system development and will shape the discipline for decades to come.
Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal Award
Giorgio Bertoli
In recognition of unwavering support to the missions of the Association of Old Crows and the AOC APG Susquehanna Chapter, exceptional scientific and technological innovation, and transformative contributions to advancing cyber electromagnetic activities in support of joint services.
Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal Award
Michael Herrera
In recognition of exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to the electromagnetic warfare community. Through decades of distinguished military, civilian, and Association of Old Crows service, he has advanced EW capabilities, championed technical excellence, fostered professional collaboration, and left a legacy that will strengthen the EW community for generations to come.
Anton D. "Tony" Brees Lifetime Service Award
Scott Burkholder
Posthumously awarded in recognition of more than four decades of exceptional service, technical leadership, mentorship, and enduring contributions to the electromagnetic warfare community and the Association of Old Crows.
Burkholder served as a US Navy officer and Naval Aviator, flying the EA-6B Prowler with VAQ-132 and later serving with VX-5 at Naval Air Station China Lake. He continued his EW career as a civilian technical leader at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, supporting US and allied capabilities for more than 40 years. As Requirements Lead for Electronic Warfare Data Systems, he supported nine aircraft platforms across 11 countries, strengthening international EW partnerships. He was inducted as a NAWCWD Fellow in 2023 in recognition of his technical leadership.
A dedicated mentor and instructor, Burkholder trained junior engineers and taught EW101 curriculum modules, helping develop the next generation of EW professionals. Within the Association of Old Crows, he was a longtime Mugu Crows Chapter leader, serving as Chapter Director, supporting the Scholarship Committee, and contributing to chapter events and the Collaborative EW Symposium.
Burkholder passed away in December 2025. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. His legacy endures through the systems he helped develop, the partnerships he strengthened, and the many professionals he mentored.
Anton D. "Tony" Brees Lifetime Service Award
Chris Schnelle
In recognition of more than four decades of technical leadership, innovation, and service to the electromagnetic warfare community. Christopher Schnelle has made significant contributions to Modular Open Systems Architectures (MOSA), advancing standards that improve interoperability, accelerate modernization, and enable more adaptable and affordable EW capabilities for the warfighter. Throughout his career at Southwest Research Institute and Georgia Tech Research Institute, Schnelle has combined engineering expertise with a focus on mission-driven solutions. As lead author of NAVAIR’s Hardware Open Systems Technologies (HOST) standard, he helped establish foundational elements later incorporated into the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard. An active participant in the SOSA Consortium since its inception, he identified key interface gaps supporting EW systems and helped drive the creation of a dedicated subcommittee to address them. He continues to lead the consortium’s small form factor efforts, advancing VNX+-based approaches for smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective future systems. Beyond his technical work, Schnelle has strengthened the EW profession through mentorship, technical outreach, and advocacy, including presentations at AOC, IEEE, and other forums, as well as engagement with policymakers on EW investment. Through sustained leadership in open standards, he has helped shape a more interoperable and adaptable approach to EW system development while mentoring the engineers who will carry it forward.
Anton D. "Tony" Brees Lifetime Service Award
Filippo Neri
In recognition of more than five decades of pioneering technical achievement, international leadership, and dedicated service to the electromagnetic warfare community and the Association of Old Crows. Dr. Filippo Neri has devoted his career to advancing radar, fire control, missile, and EW systems through innovation, research, and technical leadership. An inventor, widely published author, and recognized international expert, he authored Introduction to Electronic Defence Systems, a foundational text used by military and academic institutions and translated internationally. His contributions have earned numerous honors, including the Euclid Prize, recognition as a DSO Distinguished Fellow, and induction into the AOC Technology Hall of Fame in 2013. Dr. Neri has been equally dedicated to advancing AOC’s international mission. A member for more than 50 years, he served as President and officer of the Roma Chapter, supported the AOC International Activities Committee, and helped expand AOC engagement across Europe and the global EW community. His leadership was instrumental in the success of AOC’s international symposium in Rome and helped strengthen participation among EW professionals worldwide. Through his technical achievements, advocacy, and decades of service, Dr. Neri has advanced the understanding and importance of electromagnetic warfare while strengthening AOC’s international presence and community.
Anton D. "Tony" Brees Lifetime Service Award
Richard Wittstruck
In recognition of decades of pioneering technical, acquisition, and strategic leadership that have advanced electromagnetic warfare capabilities, doctrine, and operational effectiveness for US and allied forces. Dr. Richard H. Wittstruck has led the development, production, testing, and fielding of numerous mission-critical EW, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and force-protection capabilities. His leadership included the Army’s first Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT), more than 75,000 CREW devices supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Grey Eagle UAS SIGINT and radar capabilities, aircraft survivability equipment, and multiple counterfire radar systems.
His impact extends from technology to operations and doctrine. Dr. Wittstruck helped establish airborne ISR capabilities supporting US forces in Korea, contributed to coalition intelligence and EW data sharing across the 41-nation International Security Assistance Force, and influenced Army and Joint policy governing cyber electromagnetic activities and spectrum operations. His leadership also helped shape future non-kinetic targeting requirements and greater Joint-service integration of emerging EW capabilities.
An accomplished researcher, inventor, acquisition leader, and longtime AOC volunteer, Dr. Wittstruck has combined scientific innovation with an ability to transition technology into operational capability. His work has strengthened force protection, coalition interoperability, situational awareness, and the ability of warfighters to operate effectively in contested electromagnetic environments.
AOC Technology Hall of Fame Award
Michael T. Hopf
In recognition of more than four decades of innovative systems engineering and technical leadership that have advanced the performance, testing, and operational effectiveness of critical US electromagnetic warfare systems.
Hopf began his EW career in 1982 supporting the AN/APR-38 Radar Homing and Warning System on the F-4G Wild Weasel. His early contributions included improvements to long-range threat-location algorithms, modernization of operational flight software, and development of mission data tools that dramatically accelerated the ability to respond to changing threats. Work that once required an emergency 72-hour reprogramming effort could ultimately be accomplished by an EWO in seconds.
Across more than 40 years, Hopf has applied his expertise to EW systems supporting the F-4G, F-16C, B-52H, AC-130, MC-130, and B-1. His work on the ALQ-172 and ALQ-161A has strengthened system testing, improved laboratory and flight-test capabilities, and helped resolve complex technical challenges while reducing test timelines and costs. His expertise contributed to an approach that saved the US Air Force an estimated 12 to 18 months in addressing unforeseen test requirements.
Through sustained innovation, technical problem-solving, and mentorship, Hopf has improved EW capabilities across generations of aircraft while passing more than four decades of specialized knowledge to the engineers and technicians who will carry that work forward.
AOC Technology Hall of Fame Award
Mansur Rachid
In recognition of pioneering advancements in RF spectrum sensing that have transformed the speed, accessibility, and operational effectiveness of distributed electromagnetic warfare.
Rachid invented Filtering by Aliasing Spectrum Sensing Technology (FASST), the core architecture behind the FASST 6000 spectrum sensor developed at Silvus Technologies. His breakthrough approach enables near-instantaneous wideband RF measurements at scan rates more than 100 times faster than conventional systems, while maintaining an ultra-low size, weight, and power footprint suitable for dismounted operators, unmanned systems, and mobile tactical platforms.
FASST significantly improves the ability to detect short-duration, low-power, frequency-agile, and low-probability-of-intercept signals that traditional systems can miss. By combining high-speed spectrum sensing with networked direction finding and geolocation, the technology enables distributed sensors to rapidly identify and locate RF emitters while providing warfighters with real-time awareness of the electromagnetic environment.
Rachid’s innovation has helped advance EW from larger, centralized collection systems toward resilient, networked sensing at the tactical edge. His work provides warfighters with earlier threat detection, faster decision-making, and advanced EW capabilities in environments and on platforms where traditional SIGINT systems are impractical.
Joseph W. Kearney Pioneer Award
Dr. Patrick Ford
In recognition of more than four decades of pioneering technical innovation and leadership that have transformed electromagnetic warfare capabilities for US and Allied warfighters.
Dr. Patrick “Chunx” Ford has repeatedly identified critical operational gaps and developed innovative solutions that transitioned into meaningful warfighter capability. As the founding Officer-in-Charge of the Navy’s Electronic Warfare Operational Programming Facility (EWOPFAC), he established a new model for rapid EW mission data reprogramming, significantly improving the Fleet’s ability to adapt to evolving electromagnetic threats.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ford has contributed to the development and deployment of major airborne electronic attack and electronic support capabilities, including the AN/USQ-113 Communications Jamming System and AN/ALQ-218 Electronic Support System. More recently, he has pioneered the integration of advanced sensing and EW capabilities onto low-cost uncrewed aircraft, helping expand the potential for distributed, scalable, and survivable electromagnetic effects.
As a NAVAIR PMA-234 Science Advisor and US Chief Engineer for NATO Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, Dr. Ford continues to influence the future of EW through technical leadership, Allied collaboration, research, and mentorship. His innovations have strengthened mission effectiveness, operational agility, and survivability while helping shape the next generation of electromagnetic warfare.
John M. Clifford Award for the Advancement of the Electromagnetic Domain
CDR Malte von Spreckelsen
In recognition of sustained leadership and international advocacy that have advanced electromagnetic warfare doctrine, strengthened multinational cooperation, and fostered greater collaboration across the global EW community.
Malte von Spreckelsen has dedicated much of his military career to advancing EW and electromagnetic spectrum operations within the German Armed Forces and NATO. Through leadership roles with Germany’s EW forces, NATO’s Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff, the German Federal Ministry of Defence, and the Cyber and Information Domain Service, he has helped shape policy, doctrine, and multinational agreements supporting more effective and coordinated EW operations.
Among his most significant contributions was his work on the German Armed Forces’ foundational regulation governing electromagnetic warfare, establishing a framework for joint EW coordination across the Services. Internationally, his work through NATO JEWCS and the development of multinational agreements strengthened cooperation in EW operations and training. More recently, he has contributed to the coordination of EMSO support to Ukraine.
Von Spreckelsen has also been a committed advocate and educator within the Association of Old Crows, sharing his expertise at the AOC International Symposium & Convention, AOC Europe, and through AOC educational programming. As a Board member of the Red Baron Roost, he continues to strengthen the EW community by organizing programs, sharing operational insight, and bringing professionals together across national and organizational boundaries.
Throughout his career, his ability to build consensus and encourage cooperation has helped advance EW not only within individual organizations, but across the broader international community.
John M. Clifford Award for the Advancement of the Electromagnetic Domain
Major General David M. Gaedecke, USAF (Ret.)
In recognition of visionary leadership and sustained advocacy that transformed electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations across the US Air Force and strengthened the broader EW community.
Major General (Ret.) David M. Gaedecke led the Air Force’s landmark Electromagnetic Spectrum and Electronic Warfare Enterprise Capability Collaboration Team, driving a service-wide reassessment that elevated EW and EMSO as strategic priorities. His leadership helped establish a general officer-led Pentagon organization for electromagnetic spectrum superiority, create the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, and strengthen EW and EMS education and training across the Air Force.
He continued this work by guiding the establishment of the Pentagon EMS office, advocating for critical capabilities including the EA-37B, and advancing the integration of EW with cyber and intelligence operations within Sixteenth Air Force. These efforts helped institutionalize lasting changes in how the Air Force organizes, trains, equips, and prepares for operations in contested electromagnetic environments.
Major General Gaedecke has remained an influential advocate for the profession beyond his military service. Through leadership roles in industry and continued engagement as a speaker, moderator, mentor, and thought leader at AOC and other national forums, he has strengthened collaboration among military, government, industry, and academia while helping prepare the next generation of EW professionals.
His career reflects an enduring commitment to ensuring electromagnetic warfare remains a national defense priority and that future warfighters are organized, equipped, and prepared to achieve electromagnetic superiority.
John M. Clifford Award for the Advancement of the Electromagnetic Domain
Thomas Conrad
In recognition of exceptional technical leadership and enduring contributions to Navy electromagnetic warfare doctrine, tactics, and operational readiness.
As a leading EW subject matter expert at the Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, Tom Conrad has played a critical role in translating emerging threats, operational experience, and technical advancements into actionable guidance for the Fleet. His work has directly supported forward-deployed forces operating in complex and rapidly evolving electromagnetic environments.
Conrad helped shape and standardize Navy EW tactics through his leadership of the Electromagnetic Warfare portions of the NIWDC doctrine library and his support of the Navy Wide OPTASK Electromagnetic Warfare approval process. Drawing on lessons from active operations, including combat data from the Red Sea, he co-authored tactical notes and Information Warfare Advisories that converted immediate operational lessons into enduring, threat-specific tactics, techniques, and procedures.
His expertise has also strengthened employment of the SLQ-32(V)6 through guidance addressing softkill coordination, filtering, mission data, and countermeasure effectiveness. By connecting operational forces with Numbered Fleets, warfighting development centers, and technical organizations such as the Naval Research Laboratory, he has helped bridge the gap between scientific advancement and tactical execution.
Through this work, Conrad has institutionalized critical EW knowledge, improved Fleet readiness, and provided forward-deployed Sailors with more effective tools and tactics to counter evolving threats and succeed in contested electromagnetic environments.
Community Awards
Engineering and Technical Excellence Award
James Groffen
In recognition of sustained technical excellence in electromagnetic warfare, the successful deployment of capability during a 2025 international coalition exercise, advancing coalition EW capabilities and strengthening allied interoperability.
Engineering and Technical Excellence Award
Bahrat Patel
In recognition of exceptional technical leadership within the Program Executive Office (PEO) Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) in developing and executing the US Army’s premier artificial intelligence (AI) program across multiple programs and organizations. His leadership established the “AI Ecosystem,” enabling kinetic and non-kinetic targeting while reducing targeting cycle times and enhancing Command and Control (C2) of assets.
Engineering and Technical Excellence Award
Thomas Perry Steffen
In recognition of exceptional engineering leadership in reimagining and continuously improving people, processes, and products to accelerate the delivery of innovative warfighter capabilities and advance full-spectrum dominance.
Engineering and Technical Excellence Award
Major William D. Tisinger, USAF
In recognition of exceptional engineering efforts that ensured optimal employment of Night One weapons systems in EW-contested environments, enhancing warfighter effectiveness and reflecting great credit upon the United States Air Force.
Engineering and Technical Excellence Award
Christopher "Naked" Williams
In recognition of significant technical contributions to Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA), including advancements to NGJ-MB and NGJ-LB, as well as laboratory test and evaluation, that have significantly enhanced warfighter capability.
Project Team of the Year Award
GTRI Mission Data Rapid Reprogramming Team
In recognition of exceptional rapid reprogramming, innovative AI integration, and the first-ever combat deployment of Angry Kitten Electronic Attack, significantly enhancing US electromagnetic warfare effectiveness in Operation Epic Fury.
Project Team of the Year Award
The 950th Spectrum Warfare Group Contact Team
In recognition of trailblazing efforts to build a vital national capability, establishing the foundational structure, processes, and tactics, and engineering a new national asset positioned to advance electromagnetic spectrum superiority.
Project Team of the Year Award
ADF EMB Project Team, Delivered by Consunet
In recognition of delivering Australia's first operational Electromagnetic Battle Management capability, transforming electromagnetic spectrum mission planning from months to hours and setting a new benchmark for allied electromagnetic spectrum operations.
Project Team of the Year Award
ERZIA
In recognition of sustained, exceptional contributions to the electromagnetic warfare community across technology innovation, operational capability development, and professional education.
EW Professional Outstanding Young Crow Award
James Devlin Cassidy
In recognition of advancing electromagnetic spectrum dominance across the US Department of War through exceptional technical acumen, proven leadership, and unmatched personal initiative.
EW Professional Outstanding Young Crow Award
Capt Josef Summers, USAF
In recognition of unparalleled initiative in engineering, authoring, and validating over 20 combat software suites, files, and tapes, strengthening the protection of more than 1,600 F-16 and HC-130J aircraft against next-generation threats. His efforts in support of the EMSO enterprise reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
EW Professional Outstanding Young Crow Award
Staff Sergeant Colin W. Huang, USAF
In recognition of exceptional expertise in electromagnetic warfare, leading seven instructors and evaluators for the EA-37B Enlisted Roadshow, conducting operational and developmental testing, and educating 30 Naval Doctorate Candidates on next-generation EW employment and programming, while advancing scientific research and future acquisition efforts.
EW Professional Outstanding Young Crow Award
SGT Robert Finnestad, ANG
In recognition of outstanding performance and exceptional contributions to the electromagnetic warfare profession, demonstrating superior technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to mission success. Through innovation and professionalism, he strengthened EW readiness and enhanced operational effectiveness across supported formations. His accomplishments reflect great credit upon the US Army and the electromagnetic warfare community.
Professional Outstanding Achievement Award
Josh Fultz
In recognition of exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the integration, advancement, and operational application of electromagnetic warfare, strengthening warfighter capability, informing doctrine, and shaping modern combat operations.
Professional Outstanding Achievement Award
Jürgen von Piechowski
In recognition of exceptional leadership in advancing electromagnetic warfare through numerous research, development, and operational projects across the Bundeswehr, and more than a decade of service as Chairman of NATO ACG 3, strengthening EW capabilities throughout Germany and the Alliance.
Professional Outstanding Achievement Award
LCDR Alexander Han Cheng, USN
In recognition of exceptional operational leadership as Level 4 Division Lead, including the execution of combat sorties and a 12.6-hour DUDE 44B CSAR mission, resulting in a Distinguished Flying Cross nomination.
Professional Outstanding Achievement Award
Jarrod Moore
In recognition of exceptional leadership and technical expertise, equipping NATO and 32 Partner Nations with vital sovereign defense capabilities, significantly enhancing mission readiness to counter sophisticated threats and strengthening collective defense readiness.
Professional Outstanding Achievement Award
Dr. Stephen Hary
In recognition of a distinguished career leading the discovery, development, and delivery of full-spectrum dominance warfighting capabilities strategically advancing and rapidly fielding force-multiplying innovations.
Academic and Educational Excellence Award
Dr. Renato Machado
In recognition of Dr. Machado’s theoretical rigor, applied innovation, institutional leadership, and committed mentorship that defines excellence in EW education and research. Through his laboratory, international partnerships, industrial collaborations, AOC leadership, and prolific supervision of the next generation of radar and EW engineers, he has made enduring and measurable contributions to advancing the EW discipline – both in Brazil and internationally.
Academic and Educational Excellence Award
Dr. Oleksandra Molloy
In recognition of educating the next-generation workforce, conducting evidence-based research, and leading collaboration with industry and defense, from insight to impact.
Academic and Educational Excellence Award
Fadi Hantouli
In recognition of advancing electromagnetic warfare academic rigor through PhD research integrating artificial reasoning, AI behavior science, and EW, developing behavioral fingerprinting methods for neural networks using signal processing and robustness analysis, and aligning research with Department of War and DARPA priorities to improve the evaluation of AI-enabled EW systems and support Test and Evaluation Threat Resource Activity (TETRA) methodologies.
Academic and Educational Excellence Award
Dr. Valerie Sessions
In recognition of collaboration with five universities to develop and lead an innovative 40-hour cybersecurity bootcamp equipping college students with essential skills in Cyber/EW Convergence and preparation for CompTIA’s Network+ certification.
Chapter Flow-Up Awards
Outstanding Chapter Support
Joong-Soo Lim
In recognition of exceptional leadership within the AOC ROK Roost Chapter, fostering collaboration among the Republic of Korea Air Force, industry, and the Agency for Defense Development to advance electromagnetic warfare research, technology, and capability development.
Outstanding Chapter Support
Lt Col Laureen W. James, USAF
In recognition of significant planning and execution support for the Annual Dixie Crows Chapter Symposium, including soliciting, organizing, and coordinating volunteers to support event operations. Her leadership also strengthened volunteer support for the STEM CROWS N.E.S.T program.
Outstanding Chapter Support
Nicole Zaretski
In recognition of outstanding leadership as Director and President, advancing the full range of programs and activities that have made the Garden State Chapter a model for AOC Chapters.
Outstanding Chapter Support
Jenna Girompini
In recognition of exceptional support for the Patriots’ Roost Chapter across day-to-day chapter activities, the January 9 New Year and Fundraising Reception, and the Chapter’s Annual Space Summit. Her dedication reflects great credit upon her and the Association of Old Crows.
Outstanding Chapter Support
Joseph Sluz
In recognition of exceptional service as Secretary of the AOC Chesapeake Bay Roost Chapter, serving as a cornerstone of chapter events and significantly strengthening the chapter’s communications, outreach, and engagement.
Outstanding Chapter Support
General Joe Sharkey
In recognition of enthusiastic and steadfast support of the AOC Minnesota Chapter, increasing chapter visibility through active engagement, speaking support, and access to facilities that have helped accommodate its growing membership.
Outstanding Chapter Support
P. Michael Gale
In recognition of outstanding leadership in promoting an EW community of practice within the AOC Maple Leaf Chapter and the broader Canadian defence sector including development of the MLC Newsletter into an effective platform for sharing information and promoting chapter activities.
Outstanding Chapter Support
Robert Inkol
In recognition of significant contributions to the AOC Maple Leaf Chapter, its board of directors, and a wide range of chapter activities and initiatives, including the publication of noteworthy editorial, technical, and historical articles in the MLC Newsletter.
Outstanding Chapter Support
Dipak Roy
In recognition of visionary leadership in creating the inaugural AOC Maple Leaf EMSO Symposium, advancing awareness and recognition of Canada’s role in electromagnetic spectrum operations on the global stage.
Military Awards
Military Service Award – Air Force
SSGT Yazmin Pagan Ortiz, USAF
In recognition of exceptional electromagnetic warfare leadership and technical mastery, delivering critical mission data and pioneering innovative systems across global theaters, advancing spectrum superiority and enhancing survivability for the Joint Force.
Military Service Award – Army
Master Sergeant David Al Ritaw, USA
In recognition of exceptional leadership and more than twenty years of technical mastery in advancing joint electromagnetic warfare integration, CEMA capabilities, and the lethality and superiority of the multi-domain warfighter.
Military Service Award – Navy
Lt Jonathan Jun Feng Chen, USN
In recognition of exceptional leadership and technical expertise as Division Officer, Acting Deputy Director, and Acting Director of the Electromagnetic Warfare Database at the Naval Information Warfighting Development Center. He led his team to continually improve the production and delivery of SLQ-32(V)6 ASMD tactical and training libraries, enhancing warfighter operational and defensive capabilities.
Military Service Award – Navy
LCDR Nathan Srinvas, USN
In recognition of voluntarily exceptional execution, leadership, and mentorship during demanding combat operations, establishing a new standard of dedication and excellence for the VAQ community and expeditionary deployments.
Military Service Award – Navy
LCDR Scott Wilder, USN
In recognition of exceptional combat leadership directly enhancing the survivability and lethality of the warfighter. Operating in a highly contested combat environment, he exhibited courage under fire and expertly integrated AEA capabilities to neutralize adversary threats while advancing the operational dominance of VAQ-132 and the broader Joint Force. His foresight and unwavering commitment protected deployed Joint warfighters and contributed directly to mission success.
Military Service Award – Navy
Lt Mallory I. Lurate, USN
In recognition of significantly advancing electromagnetic warfare capability and readiness by institutionalizing hard-won combat lessons from her CENTCOM deployment, translating frontline experience into actionable doctrine, and advancing instructional excellence across the Growler community. Her leadership has strengthened fleet EW awareness and operational readiness for future high-end conflict.
Military Service Award – Space Force
MSgt Mitchell Epler, USSF
In recognition of transformative contributions to the electromagnetic warfare enterprise, architecting a visionary electromagnetic range blueprint and integrating multi-domain non-kinetic effects to prepare 170,000 joint and coalition warfighters for global near-peer combat.
Military Unit Excellence Award
116th Air Control Wing, US Air Force
In recognition of exceptional performance in delivering critical command and control (C2) and electromagnetic warfare effects across the globe, while advancing innovation through the implementation of new capabilities and technologies that have strengthened the broader EW and cyber enterprises.
Military Unit Excellence Award
Marine Corps Information Operations Center (MCIOC)
In recognition of exceptional expertise across the Information Environment, significantly enhancing global battlespace awareness and reach-back support to Service, Joint, and Interagency partners.
Military Unit Excellence Award
Marine Corps MARFORPAC G39
In recognition of exceptional leadership, innovation, and operational excellence in Information Maneuver, significantly advancing joint force capabilities and ensuring Warfighter dominance across the Indo-Pacific region.
Military Unit Excellence Award
Navy Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Two (VAQ-132)
In recognition of exceptionally meritorious service and outstanding combat performance during the back-to-back execution of Operations ABSOLUTE RESOLVE and EPIC FURY. The “Scorpions” of VAQ-132 demonstrated exceptional tactical excellence, innovation, and courage under fire, protecting Joint assets and neutralizing advanced adversary threats in highly contested battlespaces. Their unwavering devotion to duty enhanced warfighter survivability and reflected great credit upon Naval Aviation and the Department of War.
Military Individual Excellence Award – Brazilian Air Force
Lt Col Anderson Gomes do Rosario Werneck
In recognition of 14 years of distinguished service to Brazilian Air Force electromagnetic warfare, advancing doctrine, developing distance-learning courses, educating senior officers, shaping national defense policy, and founding the AOC Brazil Chapter.
Military Individual Excellence Award – Navy
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Svatek, USN
In recognition of exceptional dedication to tactical information warfare, advancing the future of electromagnetic warfare through enhanced tactical lethality, refined decision-making, and increased warfighter readiness to dominate modern, high-pressure combat environments.
Outstanding Unit Award – Air Force
90th Missile Security Operations Squadron C-sUAS
The 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team, 90th Security Forces Group, 90th Missile Wing, Air Force Global Strike Command, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, WY, conducted a high-visibility briefing for the Twentieth Air Force Commander on advanced anti-drone systems, securing endorsement for a multi-million-dollar modernization of the Wing's defensive equipment. They authored USSTRATCOM reporting procedures for $20 million in counter-drone assets, optimizing readiness and guaranteeing global mission effectiveness. The team's spectrum testing identified critical vulnerabilities, leading to immediate mitigation tactics that secured vital national defense infrastructure. They briefed 20 agencies on advanced electromagnetic warfare strategies, improving interagency cooperation across the theater, and coordinated the enhancement of mobile jamming to protect nuclear convoy escort missions. Their training certified 36 operators, and their analysis of over 170 drone detections directly resulted in a $350,000 upgrade to the area's security posture. Finally, the team provided mobile electromagnetic warfare support to 23 nuclear category one movements, safeguarding the nation's most sensitive assets through its most vulnerable configuration.
Outstanding Unit Award – Air Force
Detachment 1, 55th Wing
Detachment 1, 55th Wing, Air Combat Command, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, optimized the $100-million Information Warfare Training and Research Environment, providing the premier all-domain resource for user-defined training scenarios and rapid system acquisition testing to deliver the premier non-kinetic shot validation tool. The unit directed three 300-level force integration exercises, training 120 operators from 11 major design series on joint planning and satisfying 57 learning objectives to refine long-range kill chain tactics and prepare crews for contested electromagnetic spectrum operations. As operational oversight for the electromagnetic warfare training environment, the team developed the bespoke electromagnetic spectrum "shot validation" methodology, delivering actionable feedback to electromagnetic warfare and cyber crews to analyze measures of effectiveness and substantiate mission planning and execution tactics, techniques, and procedures for 36 Air Force specialty codes. Finally, Detachment 1 secured $7 million in funding to resolve multiple communications and emitter equipment upgrades, restoring pivotal capabilities to support deployment preparation for Operation Southern Spear and marking the EA-37B's first operational live-jam sortie.
Outstanding Unit Award – Air Force
Rapid Reaction Branch, System Delta 89
The Rapid Reaction Branch, System Delta 89, Space Systems Command, Peterson Space Force Base, CO, transitioned a $352,000 prototype into a $29 billion Department of War special interest program, guiding nine major test events as the Lead Development Test Organization for this critical enterprise. The branch developed a first-of-its-kind electronic support capability, closing the United States Indo-Pacific Command's No. 1 priority capability gap and reducing joint targeting timelines by 98%, a discovery that garnered two Rapid Fielding approvals at the 3-star General Officer level. They executed two urgent operational needs supporting five Combatant Commands, delivering vital weapon systems years ahead of traditional programmatic schedules, and trained the Army's Multi-Domain Task Force in 600 complex operational scenarios during a joint live fire exercise, certifying operators to synchronize fires across four geographically distributed systems. Finally, through analysis of 560 hours of test and technical data, members of the Rapid Reaction Branch uncovered a critical intelligence reporting error that averted complete mission failure of a key United States Special Operations Command urgent operational need, safeguarding critical operations and special operations personnel.