ALCOAST 051/25 - FEB 2025 ANNUAL AVIATION AWARDS SOLICITATION

R 061245Z FEB 25   MID320000763664U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 051/25
SSIC 1650
SUBJ:  ANNUAL AVIATION AWARDS SOLICITATION
A. Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual, COMDTINST
M1650.25 (series)
1. This message announces the Tri-P sponsored annual aviation
awards, which include those sponsored by the Association of Naval
Aviation (ANA), the Naval Helicopter Association (NHA), the Order
of Daedalians (OOD), the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (HCAP),
and the Coast Guard Aviation Association (CGAA). The submission
timeline follows:
     a. 31 JAN 2025 (estimated) – ANA – American Legion Aviation Valor
Award
     b. 31 JAN 2025 (estimated) – ANA – Fleet Support/Special Missions
     c. 31 JAN 2025 (estimated) – ANA – Helicopter Aviation
     d. 31 JAN 2025 (estimated) – ANA – Maritime Patrol
     e. 31 JAN 2025 (estimated) – ANA – RADM A.C. Read Navigator of
the Year
     f. 31 JAN 2025 (estimated) – ANA – Outstanding Chief Petty
Officer
     g. 31 JAN 2025 (estimated) – ANA – Enlisted Aviation Maintenance
     h. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Aircrew of the Year (Deployed)
     i. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Aircrew of the Year
(Non-Deployed)
     j. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Rescue Swimmer of the Year
     k. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Pilot of the Year
     l. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Fleet Instructor Pilot of the
Year (FRS/Weapons School)
     m. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Training Command Pilot of the
Year
     n. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Aircrew Instructor of the Year
(FRS/Weapons School)
     o. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Aircrewman of the Year
     p. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Maintenance Officer of the
Year
     q. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Senior Enlisted Maintenance
Person of the Year (E6 to E9)
     r. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Junior Enlisted Maintenance
Person of the Year (E5 or Below)
     s. 24 JAN 2025 (estimated) – NHA – Rear Admiral Tomaszeski
Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership Award
     t. 01 MAR 2025 – OOD – USCG Exceptional Aviator Award
     u. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – Award of Honour
     v. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Grand Master’s Award
     w. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Master’s Commendation
     x. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Master's Medal
     y. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Hugh Gordon-Burge Memorial Award
     z. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award
     aa. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Barry Marsden Memorial Award
     bb. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Sir Barnes Wallis Medal
     cc. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Grand Master's Medal
     dd. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Brackley Memorial Trophy
     ee. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Johnston Memorial Trophy
     ff. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP – The Sword of Honour
     gg. 01 MAY 2025 – HCAP - The Myles Bickerton Trophy
     hh. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – CAPT Frank A. Erickson Award
(Rotary Wing)
     ii. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – CDR Elmer F. Stone Award (Fixed Wing)
     jj. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – CAPT Marion “Gus” Shrode Aviation Safety
Award
     kk. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – Oliver F. Berry Aviation Maintenance
Award
     ll. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – CAPT William J. Kossler Aeronautical
Engineering Officer of the Year Award
     mm. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – Coast Guard Flight Surgeon of the Year
     nn. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – Coast Guard Physician Assistant of the
Year
     oo. 01 JUN 2025 – CGAA – Coast Guard Aviation Auxiliarist of the
Year
2. Below are the eligibility guidelines for each award listed above:
     a. American Legion Aviation Valor Award -ANA– Presented to a
pilot or NFO for a conspicuous act of valor in flight. Period of
performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     b. Fleet Support/Special Missions –ANA- To qualify for this
award, the individual or unit must be responsible for an
outstanding combat or operational action, or technical achievement.
Heroism should be given strong consideration. The achievement
should contribute significantly to the capability or safety of that
mission. (Aviation Special Missions such as AUF or RWAI qualify for
this award) Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     c. Helicopter Aviation –ANA- To qualify for this award, the
individual or unit must be responsible for an outstanding combat or
operational action, or technical achievement. Heroism should be
given strong consideration. The achievement should contribute
significantly to the capability or safety of helicopter aviation.
Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     d. Maritime Patrol –ANA- To qualify for this award, the
individual or unit must be responsible for an outstanding combat or
operational action, or technical achievement. Heroism should be
given strong consideration. The achievement should contribute
significantly to the capability or safety of maritime patrol.
Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024..
     e. RADM A.C. Read Navigator of the Year –ANA- To qualify for this
award, the individual must have demonstrated outstanding skills and
performance in the field of navigation while in flight or for
significant contribution to improvements of navigation training or
navigation procedures. (This award is for qualified enlisted
navigators). Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     f. Outstanding Chief Petty Officer –ANA- To qualify for this
award, the individual must have worked predominantly in a naval
aviation related field. Nominees must have a record of sustained
superior performance during the competitive year. Nominees should
have distinguished themselves through one or more of the following:
        (1) Developing an idea or initiating a procedure which
enabled a task, procedure, or requirement in aviation.
        (2) Originating a design which improved operations of yellow
gear, black box, or other aviation support equipment.
        (3) Improving a method or procedure through reorganization of
personnel, redesign of working spaces, or innovation that safely
increased efficiency.
        (4) Contributing directly to measurable improvement in the
execution of the naval aviation mission, enhancing safety and
readiness in the process. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 –
31 Dec 2024.
     g. Enlisted Aviation Maintenance -ANA- To qualify for this award,
the individual must have worked predominantly in a naval aviation
related field. Nominees must have a record of sustained superior
performance during the competitive year. Nominees should have
distinguished themselves through one or more of the following:
        (1) Developing an idea or initiating a procedure which enabled
a task, procedure, or requirement in aviation.
        (2) Originating a design which improved operations of yellow
gear, black box, or other aviation support equipment.
        (3) Improving a method or procedure through reorganization of
personnel, redesign of working spaces, or innovation that safely
increased efficiency.
        (4) Contributing directly to measurable improvement in the
execution of the naval aviation mission, enhancing safety and
readiness in the process. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 –
31 Dec 2024.
     h. Aircrew of the Year (Deployed) -NHA- Awarded to the flight
crew which accomplished the most notable deployed helicopter mission
during the preceding year and demonstrated the most professional
airmanship and overall performance as a crew during helicopter
operations. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     i. Aircrew of the Year (Non-Deployed) -NHA- Awarded to the flight
crew which accomplished the most notable non-deployed helicopter
mission during the preceding year and demonstrated the most
professional airmanship and overall performance as a crew during
helicopter operations. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec
2024.
     j. Rescue Swimmer of the Year -NHA- Awarded to an enlisted rescue
swimmer who accomplished the most notable rescue mission during the
year. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     k. Pilot of the Year -NHA- Awarded to the pilot who throughout the
year has consistently demonstrated superior aeronautical ability
and performance in his/her assigned billet. Period of performance,
01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     l. Fleet Instructor Pilot of the Year (FRS/Weapons School) -NHA-
awarded to a FRS or weapons school pilot who has consistently
demonstrated superior aeronautical ability and performance in
his/her assigned flying billet (CG Unit FE/IP qualify for this
award). Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     m. Training Command Pilot of the Year -NHA- Awarded to a training
command instructor pilot who has consistently demonstrated superior
aeronautical ability and performance in his/her assigned flying
billet. (ATC mobile IP/FE qualify for this award) period of
performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     n. Aircrew Instructor of the Year (FRS/Weapons School) -NHA-
Awarded to the enlisted aircrew instructor who has consistently
demonstrated superior aeronautical ability and performance in
his/her assigned flying billet. (Unit or ATC Mobile enlisted
instructors/examiners qualify for this award) Period of
performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     o. Aircrewman of the Year -NHA- Awarded to the enlisted
aircrewman whose performance throughout the year has consistently
demonstrated superior aeronautical ability and performance in
his/her assigned billet. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 –
31 Dec 2024.
     p. Maintenance Officer (MO) of the Year -NHA- Awarded to the unit
maintenance officer assigned to the unit’s maintenance department
whose dedication and effort have significantly improved his/her
command’s ability to perform its mission. (EO/AEO/MO qualify for
this award) Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     q. Senior Enlisted Maintenance Person of the Year (E6 to E9)
-NHA- Awarded to a chief petty officer/petty officer first class
assigned to a unit’s maintenance department whose dedication and
effort have significantly increased their command’s ability to
perform its mission. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 –
31 Dec 2024.
     r. Junior Enlisted Maintenance Person of the Year (E5 or below)
-NHA- Awarded to an enlisted person (E-5 or below) assigned to a
unit’s maintenance department whose dedication and effort have
significantly increased his/her command’s ability to perform its
mission. Period of performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     s. Rear Admiral Tomaszeski Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership
Award -NHA– Awarded to O5 unit Commanding Officer whose outstanding
leadership, ability to motivate subordinates and enforce standards
has led directly to the overall excellence of the unit. Period of
performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     t. Exceptional Aviator Award -OOD- Awarded to a pilot O-4 or
below who demonstrated acts of valor as an aviator, outstanding
performance in mission accomplishment, or an extraordinary
leadership display in support of air operations. Period of
performance, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
     u. LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION TO THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY,
01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
        (1) The Grand Master’s Award –HACAP- Awarded for an act of
valor or gallantry, at the discretion of the Grand Master.
        (2) The Master’s Commendation –HCAP- Awarded for outstanding
service in the air, at the discretion of the Master.
        (3) The Master's Medal –HCAP- Awarded to any person in
aviation, at any time, for an act or other achievement in aviation
considered worthy of the Medal, as soon as the facts of the event
are clear. This is intended to be an immediate award, made at the
discretion of the Master. It is done so on the advice of the
Trophies and Awards Committee, after careful consideration and due
diligence.
        (4) The Hugh Gordon-Burge Memorial Award –HCAP- Awarded to
a member or members of a crew whose outstanding behavior and action
contributed to the saving of their aircraft or passengers.
        (5) The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award –HCAP- Awarded
to an individual member of a helicopter crew, a complete crew or
the crews of multiple helicopters, for an act of outstanding courage
or devotion to duty in the course of land or sea search and rescue
operations.
        (6) The Barry Marsden Memorial Award –HCAP- Awarded to an
individual, a complete aircraft crew, or an organization, for an
outstanding contribution to the preservation of life during (a)
natural disaster(s).
     v. FLIGHT OPERATIONS, 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024.
        (1) The Sir Barnes Wallis Medal –HCAP- Awarded in recognition
of an innovative and exceptional contribution to aviation.
        (2) The Grand Master's Medal –HCAP- Awarded to an individual
under the age of 30 for outstanding achievement and endeavor in any
field of aviation.
        (3) The Brackley Memorial Trophy –HCAP- Awarded to an
individual, a complete aircraft crew, or an organization, for
an outstanding contribution to air transport or transport aircraft
operations.
        (4) The Johnston Memorial Trophy –HCAP- Awarded for
outstanding performance in the operation of airborne or space
systems, manned or unmanned.
        (5) The Sword of Honour –HCAP- Awarded for an outstanding
contribution to General Aviation.
        (6) The Myles Bickerton Trophy –HCAP- Awarded for outstanding
flying achievement in General Aviation.
     w. CAPT Frank A. Erickson (Rotary Wing) -CGAA- This award
recognizes crews who have demonstrated exceptional aerial skill
while engaged in search and rescue operations. Nominees may be any
rotary wing aircrew who was involved in a particularly noteworthy
SAR case. To merit this award, the acts or performances must be
accomplished in a manner above that normally to be expected and
must sufficiently distinguish the entire aircrew above other
aircrews performing similar missions. Period of performance,
01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
     x. CDR Elmer F. Stone (Fixed Wing) -CGAA- This award recognizes
crews who have demonstrated exceptional aerial skill while engaged
in search and rescue operations. Nominees may be any fixed wing
aircrew who was involved in a particularly noteworthy SAR case. To
merit this award, the acts or performances must be accomplished in
a manner above that normally to be expected and must sufficiently
distinguish the entire aircrew above other aircrews performing
similar missions. Period of performance, 01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
     y. CAPT Marion “Gus” Shrode Aviation Safety Award –CGAA- This
award recognizes Coast Guard flight safety officers, or Coast Guard
flight safety departments, who demonstrate exceptional performance
or provide outstanding contributions in the area of aviation
safety. Captain Shrode was selected as the honoree because of his
actions as Chief, Coast Guard Aviation Safety Branch from 1961 to
1964. COMDT (CG-1K31) will provide funding for a single award
recipient to attend the annual CGAA banquet. Nominees should have
distinguished themselves through one or more of the following:
        (1) Quality of mishap reporting, analysis, and investigation.
        (2) Reduction of aircraft accident rates.
        (3) Excellence in aviation safety promotion/education,
including the demonstration of a fleet leadership role with
significant impact.
        (4) Innovative applications of operational risk management,
crew resource management, or maintenance resource management
principles. Period of performance, 01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
     z. Oliver F. Berry Aviation Maintenance Award –CGAA- This award
recognizes Coast Guard enlisted Aviation Maintenance Technicians
who demonstrate exceptional performance or provide outstanding
contributions in the area of aviation maintenance. Nominees may be
from any Coast Guard aviation enlisted rating or rank, whose
performance has resulted in exceptional improvements in the Coast
Guard Aviation Maintenance Program. Consideration should be given
to: continuous exemplary performance, superior technical and
troubleshooting expertise, and demonstrated strong leadership and
mentoring skills. Ideal candidates must have sustained a high level
of performance over the entire year rather than a specific event.
Period of performance, 01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
     aa. CCAPT William J. Kossler Aeronautical Engineering Officer of
the Year Award –CGAA- This award recognizes the fleet or Aviation
Logistics Center (ALC) aeronautical engineer who has distinguished
him or herself through accomplishments and achievements within the
Coast Guard Aeronautical Engineering community. Period of
performance, 01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
     bb. Coast Guard Flight Surgeon of the Year -CGAA- This award
recognizes Coast Guard Flight Surgeons who demonstrate exceptional
performance or provide outstanding contributions in the area
Aviation Medicine. Consideration should be given to: continuous
exemplary performance in the medical care of air station members.
Ideal candidates must have sustained a high level of performance
over the entire year rather than a specific event. Period of
performance, 01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
     cc. Coast Guard Physician Assistant of the year -CGAA- This award
recognizes Coast Guard Physician Assistants who demonstrate
exceptional performance or provide outstanding contributions in the
area Aviation Medicine. Consideration should be given to:
continuous exemplary performance in the medical care of air station
members. Ideal candidates must have sustained a high level of
performance over the entire year rather than a specific event.
Period of performance, 01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
     dd. Coast Guard Aviation Auxiliarist of the year -CGAA- This
award recognizes Coast Guard Aviation Auxiliarists that provide
superior support to the accomplishments of an air station. Period
of performance, 01 Jun 2024 - 31 May 2025.
3. Submission procedures:
     a. Association of Naval Aviation Awards – Submit nominations to
COMDT (CG-711) via email. Units must submit a one-page narrative
highlighting individual or unit achievements per Enclosure (21) to
COMNAVAIRFORINST 1650.15 (series). Award citation and biographical
information are not required for submission but may be requested
from the winner’s command after announcement.
     b. Naval Helicopter Association Awards – Submit nominations to
COMDT (CG-711) via email. Nomination packages for the RADM Steven
Tomaszeski Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership Award must be
submitted by COMDT (CG-711) directly to the NHA National Awards
Vice President from Area/District Commanders. All other NHA awards
will be submitted by COMDT (CG-711) to the appropriate regional NHA
president. For specific submission criteria, including nomination
templates and regional POC contact information, reference the NHA
website at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://nhea.memberclicks.net/nha-awards

     c. CAPT Marion “Gus” Shrode Aviation Safety Award – Nominations
shall be submitted to COMDT (CG-1K31) via e-mail to arrive no later
than 01 Jun 2025. The nomination memo must provide a detailed
summary of action for each SMS Pillar (i.e., Safety Policy, Safety
Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion) and shall
be signed by the Commanding Officer. Nominees are limited to Coast
Guard flight safety officers or Coast Guard flight safety
departments. COMDT (CG-1K31) will review nominations and select a
single nominee for COMDT (CG-1K) approval and submission to CGAA.
     d. Oliver F. Berry Aviation Maintenance Award - Nominations
should be submitted to COMDT (CG-41). All nominations shall be
submitted electronically using the web-based survey links that
will be emailed to each air station Engineering Officer in 2025.
This electronic format should be used for both the nominations
and the command endorsements COMDT (CG-41) will review nominations
and select nominees for COMDT (CG-4) approval and submission to
CGAA.
     e. CAPT William J. Kossler Aeronautical Engineering Officer of
the Year Award – Nominations should be submitted to COMDT (CG-41).
Individuals must be nominated by Commanding Officers of Air
Stations, ALC, or Aviation Projects Acquisition Center (APAC). All
nominations shall be submitted electronically using the web-based
survey links that will be emailed to Commanding Officers and
Executive Officers in 2025.
     f. All other awards - Nominations should be submitted to
COMDT (CG-711) via e-mail. Nominations should be in standard memo
format with a detailed summary of action and award citation as
enclosures. Please place the award title and nominees name in the
subject line.
4. Units and individuals may be eligible for aviation related
awards sponsored by other military or professional organizations
not covered in this message. Units are encouraged to research and
apply for any such award and copy COMDT (CG-711) for visibility.
5. The POCs for the awards are:
     a. CAPT Marion "Gus" Shrode Aviation Safety Award -
COMDT (CG-1K31) LCDR Jane Peña at (202) 475-5141.
     b. Oliver F. Berry Aviation Maintenance Award –
COMDT (CG-41) CDR Patrick Wright at (202)475-5568.
     c. CAPT William J. Kossler Aeronautical Engineering Officer
of the Year Award - CDR Patrick Wright at (202)475-5568.
     d. All other awards - COMDT (CG-711) MCPO Steve Garrett at
(202) 631-5987.
6. Lisa R. Schelder-Kirkpatrick, SES, Deputy Assistant Commandant
for Capability (CG-7), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.