MARINE CORPS AVIATION AWARDS 2023 AWARD WINNERS
Date Signed: 3/8/2023 | MARADMINS Number: 131/23
MARADMINS : 131/23

R 081130Z MAR 23
MARADMIN 131/23
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC AVN ES-ACP WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS AVIATION AWARDS 2023 AWARD WINNERS//
REF/A/MSGID:DOC/MCO 1650.29H/YMD:20100922// 
REF/B/MSGID:DOC/MCO P1020.34G/YMD:20030331//
NARR/REF A IS MCO 1650.29H ON AVIATION AWARDS. REF B IS MCO P1020.34G WITH CHG 1-5 ON MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS.//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Congratulations to the following Marines and squadrons on selection as the recipients of the 2023 Marine Corps Aviation Awards. Each category was highly competitive, indicating exceptional leadership and dedication to mission accomplishment for all nominees.  Award winners will be recognized at the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Association Symposium in Dallas, TX on 15-18 May 2023.
2. Marine Corps Aviation Awards 2023 Award Winners:
2.a. Alfred A. Cunningham Award (Aviator of the Year): Capt Jacob D. Gillespie, HMLA-369, MAG-39, 3d MAW
2.b. Robert Guy Robinson Award (NFO of the Year): Capt Raymond T. Rickenbach, VMFA(AW)-533, MAG-31, 2d MAW
2.c. Earle Hattaway Award (Aviation Ground Officer of the Year): CWO2 Orlando Garcia, VMM-263, MAG-26, 2d MAW
2.d. Robert F. Gibson Award (Air Command and Control Officer of the Year): Capt Michael R. Burke, MACS-2, MACG-28, 2d MAW 
2.e. Silver Hawk Award (Earliest Naval Aviation Designation Date): LtGen Matthew G. Glavy, Deputy Commandant for Information
2.f. Frank E. Petersen Jr. Award (Flight Student of the Year): 1stLt Nathan D. Rothenberger, VT-35, MATSG-22, TECOM
2.g. Danny L. Radish Award (Enlisted Aircrewman of the Year): Sgt Nicholas L. Hutloff, VMM-362(REIN), MAG-16, 3d MAW
2.h. Willie D. Sproule Award (Maintenance Marine of the Year): Sgt Amber N. Rice, VMFAT-101, MAG-11, 3d MAW
2.i. Kenneth W. Southcomb Award (Aviation Supply Marine of the Year): MSgt Nabil Guerra, MALS-26, MAG-26, 2d MAW
2.j. Paul G. Vess Award (Avionics Marine of the Year): SSgt Adonis A. Rodriguezadames, MALS-36, MAG-36, 1st MAW
2.k. Gaines B. Gilbert Award (Aviation Ordnance Marine of the Year): Sgt Joshua A. Kueker, MALS-31, MAG-31, 2d MAW
2.l. Kenneth A. Innis Award (Command and Control Marine of the Year): MGySgt Fred J. Foster, MACS-1, MACG-38, 3d MAW
2.m. Jack W. Demmond Award (Aviation Ground Marine of the Year): GySgt Frances L. Leon, VMFA-323, MAG-11, 3d MAW
2.n. James E. Nicholson Award (NCO Leadership): Sgt Zachary M. Price, HMLA-775, MAG-41, 4th MAW
2.o. Michael A. Hough Award (Acquisition Excellence): Maj David W. Charles, PMA-263
2.p. James Maguire Award (Exceptional Achievement): GySgt Terrence E. Hublard, VMFA-242, MAG-12, 1st MAW
2.q. Commandants Aviation Trophy (Outstanding Performance of a Marine Aviation Squadron or Battalion): VMFA-323, MAG-11, 3d MAW
2.r. Robert M. Hanson Award (Fighter/Attack Squadron of the Year): VMFA-121, MAG-11, 3d MAW
2.s. Lawson H. M. Sanderson Award (Attack Squadron of the Year): VMA-542, MAG-14, 2d MAW
2.t. Henry Wildfang Award (Aerial/Refueler/Transport Squadron of the Year): VMGR-252, MAG-14, 2d MAW
2.u. Fred McCorkle Award (Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron of the Year): VMM-265, MAG-36, 1st MAW
2.v. Keith B. McCutcheon Award (Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year): HMH-366, MAG-29, 2d MAW
2.w. John P. Giguere Award (Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year): HMLA-269, MAG-29, 2d MAW
2.x. John I. Hudson Award (Marine Unmanned Aircraft Squadron of the Year): VMU-1, MAG-13, 3d MAW
2.y. Donald E. Davis Award (Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron of the Year): MALS-31, MAG-31, 3d MAW
2.z. James E. Hatch Award (Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year): MWSS-272, MACG-28, 2d MAW
2.aa. Edward S. Fris Award (Air Command/Control Squadron of the Year): MACS-2, MACG-28, 2d MAW
2.ab. Pete Ross Award (Aviation Safety): VMGR-152, MAG-12, 1st MAW
3. Travel and lodging details plus a schedule of events for  individual award winners and unit recipients will be issued via separate correspondence (SEPCOR).  Individual award winners and unit recipients shall provide the HQMC point of contact below with the following information NLT 15 Apr 2023: full name and name of guest(s), work/mobile phone numbers (DSN/Comm), and work/personal email addresses.
4. In accordance with reference (b), attire/uniform requirements for the awards banquet on 18 May 2023 are evening dress "B" or SNCO evening dress, or blue dress "A", in order of precedence. White trousers are not authorized for the awards presentation and banquet.
5. Public affairs guidance:
5.a.  Ensure award winners sign a privacy act statement and are briefed that information may be made available to civilian media.
6. Points of contact (POC)
6.a.  POC at HQMC is LtCol Benjamin Price (ACP-1),  Benjamin.a.price@usmc.mil, Comm (703)693-4108. 
7.Release authorized by LtGen M. S. Cederholm, Deputy Commandant for Aviation.//