The Department of the Air Force announced the 2021 Deterrence Operations and the Nuclear and Missile Operations Award winners.
These awards recognize the distinctive accomplishments of Airmen contributing to nuclear deterrence across two-thirds of the nation's nuclear triad, and the achievements of nuclear and missile operations officers.
"The winners of the 2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Awards and the Nuclear and Missile Operations Awards have distinguished themselves amongst their peers while making a significant impact on nuclear deterrence operations," said Lt. Gen. James Dawkins, Jr., Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy chief of staff. "We are proud to highlight their achievements. Congratulations to the winners and all the total force Airmen who were nominated."
Awardees were vetted across all major commands, unified combatant commands and agencies, including the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. These Airmen are authorized to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon.
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award winners:
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Emily S. Silvia
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Tylor E. Mason
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Senior Noncommissioned officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer L. Riter
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Mark D. Dantes
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Matthew C. Recker
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category I: Jill C. Duffney
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category II: Scott G. Carlson
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category III: William McIntyre
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Guard or Reservist of the Year: Lt. Col. Angela C. Lipovsky
2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Professional Team of the Year: 48th Maintenance Group's Weapons Standardization Team
Nuclear and Missile Operations Award winners:
2021 Nuclear & Missile Operations Operator of the Year: Capt. Alexander J. Maynard
2021 Nuclear & Missile Operations Company Grade Office of the Year: Capt. Panida Theerathampitak
2021 Nuclear & Missile Operations Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Kevin M. Johnson
This program has been administered and overseen by the Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integrations deputy chief of staff since 2014.
