Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Dishern Tucker, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, recently received the Cornelius "Fritz" Koppy - John "Rick" Garmeson Award as the 2015 Aerospace Medicine Technician (AVT) of the Year for the Navy and Marine Corps.

The award is given for outstanding merit in operational aviation medicine, leadership, dedication, initiative, resourcefulness and industry while serving in operational forces.

"HM1 Tucker was recognized as the best among his peers from over 50 squadrons to be the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) AVT of the year," said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Joseph Burds, CNAL Force Corpsman. "He then went on to compete against the winners from all reserve squadrons, all Marine Corps squadrons and all 70 plus squadrons under Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific."

In addition to being assigned to HSM 74, based out of Jacksonville, Fla., Tucker is also the leading petty officer of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, to which the squadron is attached.

Tucker manages the scheduling and completion of all physical exams for more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines. He has spearheaded the planning and execution of health service support for four major exercises and has solely managed aviation medical readiness and flight deck physicals for more than 1,200 personnel.

"I was at a loss for words when it happened. I didn't see it coming, it was a total surprise," said Tucker. "It feels good to be recognized for all the hard work."

Aside from his primary responsibilities, Tucker also manages the hearing conservation program, which increased the command's readiness from 86% to 99%. He is currently executing work-ups preparing for an extended deployment to the Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of operation in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Tucker said he and the other candidates worked hard to get where they are, and they appreciate all the recognition.

"I never thought I'd win," said Tucker. "It's a great honor."

For more information on CVW-3 and its mission, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvw3/Pages/default.aspx.