Awards Program

Camaraderie. Excellence. Heritage — Honoring Surface Warriors & their Families since 1985

Honoring Excellence in Surface Warfare

The Surface Navy Association recognizes outstanding contributions to the surface warfare community – military, civilian, and future members – whose achievements have warranted individual recognition for their contribution to the legacy of Surface Warriors.

Award Categories Active Awards View All Awards

Select an award category to view the awards available and their details.

Future Leaders & Junior Achievers

This category honors NJROTC and CGJROTC cadets who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to the values of the Surface Warfare community, recognizing their dedication and achievements as future leaders.

Innovation & Technical Achievement

Recognizes those who have contributed significantly through innovative practices, technical advancements, or creative media that enhances the surface warfare narrative.

Leadership & Command Excellence

This category includes awards that recognize exceptional leadership, vision, and command excellence within the surface warfare and Coast Guard communities.

Operational & Tactical Proficiency

Awards that celebrate superior achievements in operational readiness, tactical excellence, and mission accomplishment in surface warfare.

Service & Commitment

This category honors individuals or units that have demonstrated long-term dedication, outstanding service, and commitment to the surface warfare community.

Special Recognition & Contributions

This category includes awards that acknowledge meritorious contributions, special achievements, and activities that go above and beyond the call of duty, often focusing on educational, historical, or community-related impact.

Future Leaders & Junior Achievers

This category honors NJROTC and CGJROTC cadets who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to the values of the Surface Warfare community, recognizing their dedication and achievements as future leaders.

  • NJROTC & CGJROTC Essay Contest
  • Stephen Decatur, JR. Award
Innovation & Technical Achievement

Recognizes those who have contributed significantly through innovative practices, technical advancements, or creative media that enhances the surface warfare narrative.

  • CAPT Raymond Komorowski Photo Award
  • Literary Award
  • Video Competition
Leadership & Command Excellence

This category includes awards that recognize exceptional leadership, vision, and command excellence within the surface warfare and Coast Guard communities.

  • Admiral Zumwalt Award for Visionary Leadership
  • Captain Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Award
Operational & Tactical Proficiency

Awards that celebrate superior achievements in operational readiness, tactical excellence, and mission accomplishment in surface warfare.

  • Admiral Arleigh Burke Surface Warfare Operational Excellence Award
  • Shiphandler of the Year Award
  • Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman of the Year Award
Service & Commitment

This category honors individuals or units that have demonstrated long-term dedication, outstanding service, and commitment to the surface warfare community.

  • Captain Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award
  • Command Master Chief/Senior Chief Recognition Award
  • Master Gunner George Sirian Meritorious Service Award
Special Recognition & Contributions

This category includes awards that acknowledge meritorious contributions, special achievements, and activities that go above and beyond the call of duty, often focusing on educational, historical, or community-related impact.

  • Chapter Excellence Award
  • Special Recognition Award
  • Surface Warfare Officer of the Year
  • The Old Salt
  • The Old Tar

SNA is currently accepting submissions and nominations for the awards below.

Future Leaders & Junior Achievers
NJROTC & CGJROTC Essay Contest

Deadline: 15 February 2025

View Details

Browse all the awards offered by the Surface Navy Association.

Operational & Tactical Proficiency
Admiral Arleigh Burke Surface Warfare Operational Excellence Award

Deadline: 1 OCT 2025

View Details
Leadership & Command Excellence
Admiral Zumwalt Award for Visionary Leadership

Deadline: 1 OCT 2025

View Details
Innovation & Technical Achievement
CAPT Raymond Komorowski Photo Award

Deadline: 1 OCT 2025

View Details
Service & Commitment
Captain Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award

View Details
Leadership & Command Excellence
Captain Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Award

View Details
Special Recognition & Contributions
Chapter Excellence Award

Winners Announced in January

View Details
Service & Commitment
Command Master Chief/Senior Chief Recognition Award

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Distinguished Graduate Award

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Innovation & Technical Achievement
Literary Award

Deadline: 15 OCT 2025

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Service & Commitment
Master Gunner George Sirian Meritorious Service Award

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Naval War College Surface Navy Association Award

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Future Leaders & Junior Achievers
NJROTC & CGJROTC Essay Contest

Deadline: 15 February 2025

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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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Operational & Tactical Proficiency
Shiphandler of the Year Award

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Special Recognition & Contributions
Special Recognition Award

Winners Announced in January

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Future Leaders & Junior Achievers
Stephen Decatur, JR. Award

Opens: March 2025

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Operational & Tactical Proficiency
Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman of the Year Award

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Surface Sailors of the Year Award

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Surface Warfare Historical Remembrance

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Special Recognition & Contributions
Surface Warfare Officer of the Year

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Surface Warfare Research Award

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Special Recognition & Contributions
The Old Salt

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Special Recognition & Contributions
The Old Tar

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USNA YP Squadron Commodore Award

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Innovation & Technical Achievement
Video Competition

Deadline: 15 OCT 2025

View Details

Upcoming Events

Hampton Roads Monthly Luncheon
Hampton Roads Southeast

Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 11:30 AM - Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 1:00 PM

Please join us for our monthly luncheon on 20 February 2025... Read more

GWC February Luncheon
Greater Washington Southeast

Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 11:30 AM - Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 1:00 PM

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Hampton Roads Heritage Event
Hampton Roads Southeast

Fri, Feb 28, 2025, 10:00 AM - Fri, Feb 28, 2025, 11:00 AM

The SNA Hampton Roads Chapter invites you to their SNA Heri... Read more

Waterfront Conference East
Southeast

Tue, Mar 25, 2025, 7:30 AM - Wed, Mar 26, 2025, 4:00 PM

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