Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, exits an F-35C Lightning II after returning from deployment Saturday at Miramar. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Marines and squadrons in Miramar and Camp Pendleton have been recognized with six awards for leadership and dedication, including during attacks on Houthi weapons facilities in Yemen.

The Marine Corps Aviation Association award winners included Maj. Zachary Sessa, who led multiple combat stories in Yemen with his attack squadron while simultaneously training nearly 20 others to become instructors, section leads and mission commanders.

Sessa was honored as the top aviator of the year, with an award named after the first Marine aviator and director of Marine Corps Aviation.

“My recognition with the Alfred A. Cunningham Award is the result of the hard work and dedication of the team I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside,” Sessa said.

Sessa is a native of Butler, Pennsylvania, who followed in the footsteps of military aviators in his family – his father and grandfather.

Sessa’s squadron, VMFA-314 or the “Black Knights”, was honored as the top Marine fighter attack squadron of the year, receiving the Robert M. Hanson Award. The honor is named for Hanson, an expert in air combat who downed 20 enemy planes in six consecutive flying days during World War II.

“Our Marines are truly the best at what they do, and it’s a real honor to see this widespread recognition for our 3d MAW award winners within the competitive arena of Marine aviation,” said Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in Miramar.

The other San Diego-based units that received awards are:

  • Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466: Keith B. McCutcheon Award (Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year)
  • Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367: John P. Giguere Award (Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year)
  • Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 39: Donald E. Davis Award (Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron of the Year)

The other San Diego-based honoree is Maj. John P. Baum of VMFA-232, who received the Robert Guy Robinson Award as the Marine Naval Flight Officer of the Year.

The awards are expected to be formally presented at the MCAA Symposium in Dallas from May 13-15.