News United States Air Force
 2021 Nuclear Deterrence, Missile Operations awards announcedPublished May 2, 2022
                        
                        By Staff Sgt. Nick Z. Erwin
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
                **ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --**
                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.LR 



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