A Marine Corps captain recently earned CNO's Charles J. "Chuck" Nechvatal aviation ground maintenance officer of the year award for his contribution to the deployment of one of the service's newest small unmanned aircraft systems.

Capt. Chris Seemayer, assistant program manager for logistics supporting the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-263) received the award March 24 during a ceremony held at Patuxent River.

"This award is truly a testament to the phenomenal team both in the supporting echelon and the fleet that are steadfastly focused on bringing unmanned aviation into the naval enterprise and posturing our systems to bring enhanced readiness to the operating forces," said Seemayer, who joined PMA-263 in 2013.

Seemayer, a 2006 graduate of Miami University, took top honors for having the most beneficial impact on command readiness and mission accomplishments during the past year. He oversaw the logistical coordination for the RQ-21A Blackjack's operational test and evaluation phase under a unique scenario. The Marines required Blackjack's capabilities for real-world combat operations prior to the system being fielded to the fleet. His efforts resulted in 100 percent mission readiness and successful completion of the test plan, which was executed by Marines in Afghanistan just months later.

He also developed a numbering system similar to manned aircraft's bureau number (BUNO) to accurately report UAS mission readiness. Standard aviation practices identified an air vehicle status, but did not take into account the subsystems required to operate a UAS. The new process, which accounts for all vehicles and integrated equipment within the RQ-21A system, is now being adopted across all Group 3-class UAS platform allowing for tailored logistic support.

"Chris brings a great deal of professionalism and expertise to our program office," said Col. Eldon Metzger, PMA-263 program manager. "He puts the fleet first and tackles each task with the commitment to improve mission readiness and success."

Seemayer, who served in Afghanistan in 2010, said it is a remarkable feeling to know that you have made a positive impact on enhancing capabilities for the Marines and Sailors in the operating forces.

"I feel both honored and humbled to be recognized with this award, but also thankful to the phenomenal cadre of enlisted and officer mentors that I have been fortunate to serve with throughout my career," he said.

Since 1994, the Chuck J. Nechvatal has been awarded annually to officers O-3 and below for naval aviation maintenance excellence.

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