PATUXENT RIVER, Md., May 7, 2025 — Naval Aviation News (NAN), the flagship publication of naval aviation since 1917, secured first place in the Team Publication category of the Navy Public Affairs Awards (NPAA) for 2024. The award, presented by the Department of the Navy, recognizes exceptional communication efforts that advance naval objectives.
Based at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, NAN operates under the Command Operations Group. The magazine, led by Editor-in-Chief David Byrd, Art Director Fred Flerlage, and Editor/Writer Rob Perry, publishes quarterly online. It covers advances in naval aviation technology, training, equipment, maintenance, and warfighter support, featuring exclusive stories and fleet-wide contributions.
The NPAA judges evaluated NAN’s 2023 “Year in Review” special edition, the magazine’s only physical publication since transitioning to digital-only in 2021 due to COVID-19-related supply issues. The annual print edition highlights significant milestones in naval aviation.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Navy,” Byrd said. “I feel it’s a reflection on the great group of people that works on the NAN, from the writers and photographers who provide the source material, to the NAN staff that pulls it together and presents it in a way that really strikes a chord with the warfighters in the naval aviation community and our other readers. Our editors and Editorial Board are amazing, as is the NAVAIR Command Comms team that disseminates and promotes the magazine. I think the award is an acknowledgement on that whole team.”
“The Naval Aviation News team’s outstanding dedication and excellence in storytelling have earned them first place in the NPAA Awards—a well-deserved recognition of their commitment to delivering impactful and engaging content,” said Marcia Hart, the public affairs officer for NAVAIR Command Communications. “The team’s ability to highlight Naval Aviation’s mission, people and achievements with clarity and professionalism continues to set the standard for communication across the fleet and externally. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!”
Since its inception, NAN has chronicled naval aviation’s evolution, serving as a vital resource for warfighters and readers. The shift to digital publication expanded its reach, while the annual print edition maintains its legacy. The award underscores the team’s ability to adapt while delivering high-quality content.
The NPAA recognition highlights NAN’s role in fostering communication within the Navy. The magazine’s focus on innovation and personnel ensures the naval aviation community remains informed and inspired. The team’s collaborative effort, from writers to communicators, drives its success.
