Announcement of the 2026 Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Award Recipients

1.  The Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and 
Integration (DC, CD&I) and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for 
Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities are pleased to announce 
the recipients of the 2026 Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Awards 
(EWEA).
2.  Background.  The EWEA recognizes the achievement of the Naval 
service's top performing Marines and Sailors during calendar year 
2025. Each category was highly competitive and indicative of the 
nominee's exceptional leadership and selfless dedication to mission 
accomplishment.
3.  2026 EWEA Winners:
3.a.  The Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare Officer of the Year is 
Major Nicholas Leeds, 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit, Iwo Jima 
Amphibious Ready Group. 
3.b.  The Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare Staff Noncommissioned
Officer of the Year is Master Sergeant Patrick Keeling, 22d Marine 
Expeditionary Unit, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. 
3.c.  The Navy Expeditionary Warfare Officer of the Year is 
Lieutenant Commander Tyler Biggs, Amphibious Squadron 8.
3.d.  The Navy Expeditionary Warfare Enlisted Sailor of the Year is 
Petty Officer First Class Bryant Campos, Joint Communications Unit.
4.  Action.  The award recipients will be recognized at the Marine 
Corps Combat Development Dinner, hosted by the Marine Corps 
Association, on 20 August 2026 at The Clubs at Quantico, 3017 
Russell Road, Quantico, Virginia 22134. A no-host reception will 
begin at 1800, with dinner and the ceremony beginning at 1900.  
4.a.  The prescribed uniform for Marine Corps awardees is Service 
Alphas.
4.b.  The prescribed uniform for Navy awardees is Service Dress 
Blues.
4.c.  Civilian awardees and guests are encouraged to wear Business 
professional attire.
5.  Details regarding travel and the schedule of events for award 
winners will be issued via separate correspondence.
6.  Congratulations to those selected and all who were nominated.  
Your performance in this vital area is noteworthy and has directly 
influenced the Expeditionary Warfare Community.
7.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Eric E. Austin, Deputy 
Commandant, Combat Development & Integration.