Copernicus Awards Recognize Superior Performers in the Sea Services

AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute have recognized 18 outstanding individuals from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps with their 2019 Copernicus Awards. Established in 1997, this award selects winners who show sustained superior performance in a command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) or information technology-related job over the course of the previous fiscal year. They must also demonstrate exceptional leadership, insight and initiative.

Honorees distinguished themselves from more than 100 nominations. They repaired critical systems in the wake of natural disasters, seamlessly installed and upgraded computer systems, diligently caught and corrected deficiencies, developed new communications and cybersecurity policies, led innovative initiatives, fostered interagency and foreign partnerships, devoted themselves to developing advanced technical skills and expertise, and mentored dozens of junior personnel in fiscal year 2018.

Winners were congratulated at the West 2019 conference in San Diego in February by Vice Adm. Matthew Kohler, USN; Rear Adm. David Dermanelian, USCG; and Brig. Gen. Lorna Mahlock, USMC; in addition to Lt. Gen. Robert Shea, USMC (Ret.), on behalf of AFCEA, and Vice Adm. Peter Daly, USN (Ret.), on behalf of the U.S Naval Institute. Those who could not attend in San Diego will be recognized later this month at TechNet Cyber in Baltimore.

For more information on the Copernicus Award, including nomination information for 2020, please visit www.foundation.afcea.org.