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- The Gray Owl Award is presented to the senior naval flight officer (NFO) on continuous active duty in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps who has held that designation for the longest period of time. Navy Captain Brick Nelson, a former "Gray Owl" explained the prestige of the award in a previous ceremony by describing how the statue and accompanying distinction represent the culmination of decades of service and the recognition of incredible achievement, perseverance, and unparalleled longevity over thousands of hours of flight operations spanning the globe. The "Gray Owl" recognizes the senior Naval Flight Officer on active duty in U.S. Navy while also paying quiet respect to the danger and risk to life averted throughout such a lengthy career. The award is symbolic of the long-standing tradition of Naval Aviation as this unwavering commitment to excellence and professionalism are passed on to the next generation of aviators on behalf of all of those who have had the honor and privilege of receiving the award. The recipients of such historic awards are the embodiment of determined and fearless professionalism. A naval flight officer in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps is distinct from a naval aviator in that the aviator pilots the aircraft, while an NFO provides knowledge and expertise to assist piloting, such as in navigation, airborne weapons targeting and delivery, aerodynamics, flight planning, as well as piloting and safety. By virtue of being qualified for the Gray Owl Trophy, which by definition represents long years of dedicated service to the Navy or Marine Corps, the recipient is considered “a symbol of stalwart and intrepid professionalism.” Similar awards include the Gray Eagle Award, presented to the Naval Aviator on continuous active duty in the U.S Navy or Marine Corps who has held that designation for the longest period of time; the Ancient Albatross Award, an identical honor for United States Coast Guard aviators; the Old Salt Award, presented to the surface warfare officer serving on continuous active duty with the earliest surface warfare officer qualification. (en)
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