R 231218Z OCT 25
MARADMIN 498/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC AVN WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION FOR THE 2026 MARINE CORPS AVIATION
ASSOCIATION (MCAA) JOHN GLENN SQUADRON MARINE AVIATION ACQUISITION
AWARDS//
REF/A/MSGID:DOC/MCO 1650.29H/YMD:20100922//
AMPN/REF A IS THE AVIATION AWARDS ORDER.//
POC/M. D. REITH/MAJ/UNIT: MARINE AVIATION DETACHMENT NAS PATUXENT
RIVER/TEL: DSN 342-1427/TEL: COMM (301) 342-1427/
EMAIL: MATTHEW.D.REITH.MIL@US.NAVY.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose.  To solicit nominations for the annual
MCAA John Glenn Squadron Marine Aviation Acquisition Awards.  These
prestigious awards recognize those individuals who have distinguished
themselves as the best in Marine Aviation Acquisition during the
award period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
2.  Background.  The MCAA John Glenn Squadron, located at Naval Air
Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, annually presents awards to
recognize Marines and civilians who have distinguished themselves
through the most significant contribution to, or professional
achievement in, the field of Marine Aviation Acquisition during the
preceding calendar year. Citations and individual permanent trophies
will be presented at a ceremony held in the greater NAS Patuxent
River, Maryland area.  Transportation and billeting
for awardees (and their spouses, if applicable) who do not reside
in the local area will be provided by the Marine Aviation Detachment
(MAD) NAS Patuxent River.
3.  The 2026 MCAA Aviation Acquisition Awards and eligibility 
are as follows:
    a.  Senator John H. Glenn Test Pilot/Naval Flight Officer (NFO)
of the Year.  Eligibility:  All Marine Aviators and Naval Flight
Officers performing duties as a test pilot or NFO.
    b.  J.J. McCue Civilian Tester of the Year.  Eligibility:  
All civilian government employees and contractors performing duties 
in test & evaluation that contribute to or support Marine Aviation 
Acquisition efforts.
    c.  Lieutenant General Michael A. Hough Acquisition Officer of
the Year.  Eligibility:  All Marine officers performing duties that
contribute to or support Marine Aviation Acquisition efforts.
    d.  Thomas E. Laux Acquisition Civilian of the Year. Eligibility:
All civilian government employees and contractors performing duties
that contribute to or support Marine Aviation Acquisition efforts.
    e.  Gunnery Sergeant Sean Joyce/Master Gunnery Sergeant Gary
Leader Acquisition Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) of the Year.
Eligibility:  All Marine SNCOs Performing duties that contribute to
or support Marine Aviation Acquisition efforts.
4.  Actions 
    a.  Nomination packages will follow the format outlined at the 
Marine Corps Aviation Awards website Submission Guidance tab at 
https://www.aviation.marines.mil/Branches/Aviation-Manpower-and-
Support-Branch/Aircrew-Programs/Marine-Corps-Aviation-Awards/#tab
/submission-guidance
    b.  Each unit should only submit one package per award category.   
    c.  Package templates are available with the MAD Operations 
Officer, Maj Matthew Reith at matthew.d.reith.mil@us.navy.mil. 
    d. Nomination packages must be received by the MAD Operations 
Officer NLT 08 December 2025. 
5.  Release authorized by LtGen W. H. Swan,
Deputy Commandant for Aviation.//