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Awards Program


We maintain a dynamic awards program. We single out members of our community – military, civilian, and future members – whose achievements have warranted individual recognition for their contribution to the legacy of Surface Warriors.

If you have any questions about a specific award or about our program in general please email awards@navysna.org.


List of Awards


Click on the toggler below to view our complete list of awards. To see the deadlines & summaries for each award click on its name.


Admiral Arleigh Burke Surface Warfare Operational Excellence Award


Opens: Summer 2023

Recognizing superior achievements in the operational aspects of Surface Warfare, by qualified Surface Warfare Officers, & Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists. This award not only recognizes the activity where operational excellence was demonstrated or required, but also in the activities during deployments of surface ships that require the skill & professionalism of all Surface Warriors.


Naval deployments constitute the basis for Forward Presence and Expeditionary Warfare demanded by our nation. They are quantifiable in time, mission, & result. The professionalism demonstrated during these deployments is extremely important to the continued improvement of the Surface Warfare community. Appropriate recognition of individuals who excel in the operational art of Surface Warfare is beneficial to the Surface Warfare Community, the United States Navy, as well as the United States.

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  • Candidates must be junior Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) or junior Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists (ESWS), in the United States Navy, or in the United States Naval Reserve.
  • These Candidates must have exhibited sustained excellence in the operational art of Surface Warfare, on US Navy surface ships.
  • The Commanding Officer may nominate ONE Officer and ONE Sailor, from the crew, who have displayed exceptional execution of Surface Warfare Operations during the deployment. Every discipline of Operational Surface Warfare should be taken into account when considering selectees. Selectees should have demonstrated superior action or commendable results in one or more of these significant Surface Warfare disciplines.
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  1. Nomination form MUST be submitted along WITH Commanding Officer write-up no later than 15 October. Write-Up's MUST include actions, achievements, and any actions deemed important for the commitee to review.
  2. The nominee’s accomplishments will be reviewed by the Awards Committee. One officer & one enlisted member from the Atlantic & the Pacific Commands, will be deemed by the Awards Committee to be especially worthy of further recognition. These nominee’s will be brought to the Executive Committee in order to receive an invitation to attend the annual Surface Navy Association National Symposium to accept their award.
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  1. How many nominees can a command submit per award?
  2. Is an ISIC endorsement required?
  3. Do you require a hard copy of the award package to be mailed to the SNA office?
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Admiral Zumwalt Award for Visionary Leadership


Opens: Summer 2023

Honoring those who most clearly exemplify the extraordinary qualities, vision & incisiveness of the nineteenth Chief of Naval Operations.


For those who demonstrate dynamic leadership, operational excellence, unselfish dedication to duty, visionary zeal and exemplary care for personnel under his or her direction.

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  • The intent of the award is to empower officers and enlisted personnel to recognize those who have improved the readiness of the Navy and the lives of those who man it.
  • To be considered, potential recipients must be nominated in writing by an active duty member who may be EQUAL or JUNIOR to them in rank/rate. Each nomination must be accompanied by an endorsement from the Commanding Officer.
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  1. The award will be determined by a panel of active duty or retired individuals selected by the Surface Navy Association Executive Director (nominally one flag officer, two senior officers (O5-O6), two junior officers (O3-O4), two senior enlisted (E6-E9) and a member from the sponsor’s staff).
  2. Two awards will be presented, one E3-E6 and one E7-O4.
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  1. How many nominees can a command submit?
  2. Can the nominator also be the Commanding Officer?
  3. Can the endorsement be sent from the Commanding Officer instead of the ISIC?
  4. Does the nomination need to be routed through the chain of command and endorsed by the Commanding Officer?
  5. How long should the nomination be in length?
  6. Who signs the nomination write-up?
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CAPT Raymond Komorowski Photo Award


Opens: Summer 2023

This award was initiated to showcase the professional activities & lives of the Surface Warfare Community. Featuring images that represent their contribution in the following areas; naval warfare; archival material, & educating the citizens of the United States regarding surface warfare department & its achievements.


  • The award is divided into three categories: Ships, Operations (gunnery, refueling, etc.), & Personal Interest (must be Surface Navy related, can include family). The Awards Committee reserves the right to reassign the category of the submitted photo.
  • While aviation operations are an integral part of surface warfare, photos of aviation operations should clearly include surface warfare operations.
  • Up 3 photos per photographer are allowed. Any submissions made after the limit is reached will be disqualified.
  • Submissions may be taken throughout the year and are submitted electronically.
  • Must pass all Navy safety standards and be in good taste and conduct. Must be unclassified – no scenes with classified material/spaces in the background.
  • Photo submissions are accepted from both amateur & professional photographers in the following categories: SNA Member, SNA Member Dependents, or select Non-Members.
  • Entries must not have been previously published, in any media accessible to the public or Navy-wide (including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, DVIDS, etc). Prior publication could result in the relinquishment of prize awards. Entries must be received electronically by established contest deadlines.
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There are three winners in each category and one is designated as the Grand Prize Winner.

All photos become the property of the Surface Navy Association for exclusive use until ninety days after the SNA National Symposium. Prize photos will be submitted for possible publication in Surface Warfare Magazine. The winning photographs will be displayed appropriately at the annual SNA Symposium.

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In consideration of the awards presented to the winning images, photographers grant exclusive use of their winning images to SNA for use in their various media and possibly Surface Warfare Magazine, starting from selection as winner until 90 days after the National Symposium where the award is presented. Photographers retain ownership and copyright of their submitted images however, grants all rights in perpetuity to SNA to reproduce, display, publish, distribute, create derivative works of submissions while crediting the photographer (where feasible). SNA use of any submitted images not winning awards will be at the discretion of SNA and subject to arrangements with the respective photographers.

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Captain Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Award


The Hopley Yeaton Awards, which honor the Coast Guard’s legendary sea-going forbearer, Capt. Hopley Yeaton, are given to celebrate and recognize cuttermen and cutter crews who best exemplify what it means to be a top-tier Coast Guard Cutterman in spirit and in action.

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Captain Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award


The Cutter Excellence Award annually recognizes the crew of a large cutter, the crew of a mid-sized cutter, and the crew of a small cutter. Cutter crews recognized for this award will have demonstrated exceptional performance in areas such as operations and mission accomplishment; commitment to crew and families; cutter training and readiness; and engineering.

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Chapter Excellence Award


This award recognizes the Chapters of Surface Navy Association that go above & beyond. Chapter programs are key to the ultimate success and effectiveness of the Surface Navy Association. Chapters that are particularly successful and meet specific requirements will be recognized for their efforts with the Chapter Excellence Award at the National Symposium in January.

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Command Master Chief/Senior Chief Recognition Award


This award is presented to all new Surface Command Master Chiefs & Senior Chiefs, who are graduating from the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport RI.

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Distinguished Graduate Award

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Literary Award


Deadline to Submit: 1 November

This award recognizes the best professional article in any publication addressing the Surface Navy or Surface Warfare issues.


The article must be published during the preceding year, beginning on 15 October.

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  1. Nominees are selected from articles nominated by Chapter Presidents, Board Members, Superintendent of the Navy Postgraduate School, President of the Naval War College, Editor of the Naval War College Review, & Editor of the United States Naval Institute Proceedings.
  2. Articles are reviewed by the SNA Editorial board appointed annually by the chairman of the National Award Committee.
  3. The Editorial board then ranks the articles & forwards the same to the National Awards Committee for the final award selections.
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A $1,000 check is awarded. This check is jointly sponsored by SNA & USNI ($500 each). Winner will receive a crystal commemorative award. Any Honorable Mention(s) will receive a framed certificate of recognition.

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Master Gunner George Sirian Meritorious Service Award

This award recognizes a Chief Petty Officer for a consistent long-term demonstration of inspirational leadership, exceptional seamanship and operational excellence in surface warfare skills and exemplary performance in organization and management, mission accomplishment, motivation and leadership, and mentoring.  The selection process starts each year with a message from COMNAVSURFOR in March requesting submissions and outlining selection criteria, timelines, etc. Final selection occurs in July. The award presentation is traditionally held the fourth week of August onboard USS CONSTITUTION underway in Boston as the culmination of a week of Heritage training for CPO Selectees.


Naval War College Surface Navy Association Award

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NJROTC & CGJROTC Essay Contest


Deadline to Submit: 15 February

This award is a writing contest designed to engage NJROTC & CGJROTC cadets. This year’s essay prompt will focus on the Surface Navy Association’s Hall of Fame.


Examples of heroism and selfless service abound in the history of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. Each year, the Surface Navy Association honors sailors who have demonstrated such heroism and selfless service, either in combat or the advancement of surface warfare, by including them in the SURFACE WARFARE HALL OF FAME.

Select one of the individuals in the SURFACE WARFARE HALL OF FAME who interests and inspires you. Discuss what we could learn from their example and how their experiences inspire you. Your essay should cover their heroic act or significant contribution to surface warfare as well as the obstacles or risks the individual faced. Please watch the induction video and conduct additional outside research to further supplement your essay, describing why their contribution was significant. Please cite sources used.

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  • Units are encouraged to conduct a local competition to select a winning essay.
  • Essay will be submitted to SNA by the NJROTC or CGJROTC Unit SNSI or equivalent and is limited to one essay per unit, not to exceed 500 words. Entries must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman or an equivalent font and must include a title. Essays will be judged on content, historical accuracy, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • SNSI Instructors: When selecting your unit’s submission, please ensure the essay properly addresses the prompt, that the individual selected is a SNA Hall of Fame Inductee and the essay is free from typographical and grammatical errors. Submissions that do not meet these minimum criteria may not be considered by the Awards Committee.
  • Essays submitted after the submission deadline of 11:59 p.m. EDT on 15 February 2023, will not be accepted.
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  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded to winning essays.
  • Cadets will be awarded a cash prize ($500, $250 and $125) and the units they represent will receive a cash award ($1,000, $500 and $250).
  • Essays will be published in our Surface SITREP.
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RADM Herbert E. Schonland Award for Excellence in Damage Control

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Recruiter of the Year Grant

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Senior Enlisted Academy Naval Heritage Award

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Ship Warfare Qualification Program Award

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Shiphandler of the Year Award


Surface Warfare professionals have always prided themselves on expert handling of their ships. Since the early days of sailing ships, an Officer of the Deck or Captain of a ship develops & maintains a reputation as a professional seafarer in large part by the skilled handling of his or her ship in all types of weather, formation maneuvers, approaches to the anchorage or pier, keeping to the channels & fairways in ports & harbors & more recently, taking & maintaining position alongside in underway replenishment. Crisp, direct & safe handling of the ship are marks of the expert. The purpose of this award is to recognize Surface Warfare professionals that excel in the art of naval shiphandling.


The winner of the SURFOR shiphandling competition will be recognized by this award.

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  1. SURFOR will control the schedule & participants for the Shiphandling trainers in Norfolk, Virginia, & San Diego, California, respectively & other elements of the shiphandling competitions.
  2. At the conclusion of the competitive cycle for the Shiphandling Competitions, Surface Navy Association (SNA) will be notified of the winner & runner-up.
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The winner will be presented with the Shiphandler Award that includes an engraved plaque & invited to the National SNA Symposium to participate in the Awards Luncheon & Banquet. The runner-up will receive a certificate of recognition.

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Special Recognition Award


This award is awarded to Surface Navy Association members, dependents, and retirees whose community-related activities go 'above and beyond' as well as promoting the Surface Navy.


Stephen Decatur, JR. Award


Deadline to Submit: June 1, 2023 by 1600

Selected by the NJROTC or CGJROTC unit commander. One awardee for each category may be selected annually from each unit. The selections will be presented to the Surface Navy Association no later than June 1st.


  • Possess a character reflecting the Navy's & Coast Guard's core values.
  • Demonstrates leadership potential
  • Demonstrates an aptitude in NJROTC or CGJROTC as evidenced by motivation, performance of duty and military bearing
  • Receives a "B" or better in NJROTC or CGJROTC during the current year and also has a minimum of a cumulative "B" average in academic studies.
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Award One
(Freshman/Sophomore Cadet)

A Certificate of Recognition and a ribbon from Surface Navy Association will be presented by the Unit Commander with the participation of the local SNA Chapter.

Award Two
(Junior Cadet)

A Certificate of Recognition and a medal from Surface Navy Association will be presented by the Unit Commander with the participation of the local SNA Chapter.

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Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman of the Year Award


The Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman (SFIDC) Navy Enlisted Code (NEC) 8425 was established to identify highly motivated and specially trained Hospital Corpsman to manage health programs and provide primary care under indirect supervision at sea.


Surface Sailors of the Year Award

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Surface Warfare Historical Remembrance

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Surface Warfare Officer of the Year

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Surface Warfare Research Award

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“The Old Salt”

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“The Old Tar”

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USNA YP Squadron Commodore Award

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Video Competition


Opens: Summer 2023

To creatively promote the values of the Surface Navy Association and to actively engage the Surface fleet and SNA members to choreograph and produce a Surface Warfare “spirit spot” video, showcasing Sailor’s lives in the Surface Navy and Coast Guard (at sea and ashore) or supporting surface warfare in industry.

1st Place
1st Place - USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8)

LT Sam Hardgrove, USN

Designed to operate where traditional warships can’t reach, USS Montgomery (LCS 8) brings the speed and firepower required to dominate all manner of coastal maritime threats, allowing our Navy to “Strike the Shore, From the Shoreline.”

2nd Place
2nd Place - USS BILLINGS (LCS 15) GOLD CREW

MN2 Justin Hovarter, USN

The USS Billings (LCS 15) Gold Crew Thundercats were kept busy with multiple evolutions ranging from flight quarters to small boat operations with our 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). The crew was able to sail through the Panama Canal, participate in a swim call in the Pacific Ocean, and sailed underway with the French Navy during the CARAIBES 2022 Exercise. We are proud to showcase some of our best moments from this year!


  • Only one video entry per command or industry group.
  • Video must be no more than 2 minutes in length and be submitted in mp4 format.
  • Video must incorporate SNA logo a minimum of two times.
  • The video must portray Surface Warfare in a positive light. Must pass all Navy and Coast Guard safety standards and be in good taste and conduct. Must be unclassified – no scenes with classified material/spaces in the background. No solicitation for corporate businesses. Must not have been published previously.
  • If music or any other audio is included in the video, it must be royalty-free or have proof of authorization for use to prevent copyright violations.
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  • A monetary award will be given to the command’s MWR fund or to the industry individual or group.
  • Cash prizes will be: 1st place - $600, 2nd place - $300 and 3rd place - $200.
  • Invitation to the SNA annual Symposium to a single representative from the winning video.
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Videos will be submitted by 01 October online to National and the Awards Committee will vote based on the above criteria. Videos will be judged based on merit for creativity, artistic quality, and portraying a positive image of surface warfare. Videos will be showcased at the SNA Symposium.

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Federal Sites
Library of Congress Social Security Administration United States House of Representatives United States Senate
Getting Started
DefenseLINK News and information about DoD Naval History and Heritage Command Navy Jobs U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Navy The official Navy website with an overview of the organization, ships, etc.
Major Installations/Regions
Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka Military OneSource One-stop shopping for information on bases around the world. A great resource for PCS time. Naval Base Kitsap Naval District Washington Naval Station Norfolk Naval Station Rota Naval Station San Diego, CA Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy Pearl Harbor/Hickam
Medical/Dental
BUMED TRICARE Latest information on the health services program for military personnel and their families. United Concordia Military's Dental Plan
Navy-Related Sites
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society Navy Memorial Navy Mutual Aid Association Navy Veteran Locator U.S. Naval Institute
Organizational
Fleet Forces Command Naval Forces, Central Command Naval Forces, Japan Naval Forces, Korea Naval Forces, Marianas U.S. 3rd Fleet U.S. 4th Fleet U.S. 6th Fleet U.S. 7th Fleet U.S. Atlantic Fleet U.S. Pacific Command U.S. Pacific Fleet
Other
Department of Veterans Affairs Destroyers Online Fleet Reserve Association Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA) Marine Corps Mine Warfare Association Naval Order of the U.S. Naval Historical Foundation Naval Technology Navy League Military Officer Association of America U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association Vietnam Veterans
Personnel/Pay
Defense Finance and Accounting Service The military pay section has the latest pay charts and allowances information. Naval Personnel Command
Publications
All Hands Naval Reservist News Navy Directives Navy News Service The principal news service of the DoN. Surface Warfare Magazine
Scholarship
Anchor Scholarship Foundation
Surface
Naval Vessel Registry Official registry of U.S. Naval Ships. Navy Surface Forces USS CONSTITUTION USS CONSTITUTION Museum
Training/Education
Warrior-Scholar Project Site of the Warrior-Scholar Project. Naval Education and Training Site of the Navy's training gurus. NJROTC A program for high school students seeking the Navy experience. NROTC All about the program that turns college students into officers. NTC Great Lakes