Lt. Alyssa Wilson, MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System project officer with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, is this year's recipient of the Adm. Merlin O'Neill Officer of the Year Award, which recognizes the most outstanding junior officer at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

The award -- whose recipient is selected by the NAS executive officer; vice commander of Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division; and commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic -- honors outstanding performance, significant achievement, and exceptional qualities of professionalism not only within the military, but also the surrounding community.

"Lieutenant Wilson is a remarkable project officer and tactical coordinator; a team player who takes the active role among the engineers and operators of this [integrated test team]," said Cmdr. Kevin Meinert, VX-20 Triton department head. "Her exceptional efforts and confidence inspire her teammates to greater achievements, facilitating significant test program successes."

As the Training Systems and Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) project officer for the MQ-4C Triton UAS Integrated Test Team, Wilson leads a diverse group of over 100 military, civilian, and contractor personnel in the developmental and integrated testing of critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform mission systems, interoperability, and networks crucial to the success of the program.

"She was instrumental in the execution of hundreds of test points to evaluate EO/IR system performance for fleet introduction," said Cmdr. Dennis Lloyd, VX-20 commanding officer. "Her meritorious service significantly enhanced the test and development of the MQ-4C Triton UAS, supporting program milestones and maintaining program schedules to replace aging fleet capability for the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community, and the United States. The quality and timeliness of her work is second to none. A top performer, she embodies the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment."

Wilson, who has been in the Navy more than 8 years and at Patuxent River for three years, started at VX-1, moved to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School as a member of Class 147, and then joined VX-20. She has flown P-3C Orions, P-8A Poseidons, and now Triton.

"I'm honored to win this award because of what it recognizes in junior officers," she said. "I love my job and what I get to do for the Navy. Flying is just one part of that; I also try every day to be a good officer and role model for the young people I get the opportunity to talk to and work with."

Currently pursuing a master's degree in public relations, VX-20 has also given Wilson the opportunity to give tours, briefs, and participate in public affairs for the Triton program.

"My leadership has been tremendously supportive and encouraging in helping me find my public relations niche within the command," she explained. "Triton is so new to the Navy that many people and groups want to come see what it's about, so I get to take my college background, combine it with my tactical experience, and help people get excited about what the program is doing."

Her dedication doesn't stop at Patuxent River, but extends beyond the fenceline into the community where she is active in her church, volunteers at local events, and with various organizations.

"I enjoy getting in an airplane and developing mission systems for the Navy, but when I'm not flying, I enjoy encouraging students interested in joining the Navy and showing them how many different and fun things there are to do with their careers," Wilson noted. "Being part of the community and volunteering outside the Navy gives me a big-picture perspective for why I do what I do every day."

Above all, Wilson says she is grateful for the people she works with who inspire her to find creative ways to make positive impacts on her projects and interests, both in the command and in the community.

"My peers and the people I work with every day are amazing," she added. "They all bring great perspectives and a wide array of experiences to the table, and I've learned so much from them."

The O'Neill Award is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the nation's largest association of military officers.

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