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SUBJ/2022 SHANNON M. KENT AWARD FOR LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE, 
LANGUAGE PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR, LINGUISTS OF THE YEAR AND COMMAND 
LANGUAGE PROGRAM OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCEMENT// 
 
REF/A/DOC/OPNAVINST 5400.46A/18MAY21// 
REF/B/DOC/DLIFLC/28NOV05 (NOTAL)// 
 
NARR/REF A IS OPNAVINST 5400.46A, COMMAND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND AWARDS.   
REF B IS DLIFLC PAMPHLET 351-1, EVALUAT ION GUIDELINES FOR DOD COMMAND 
LANGUAGE PROGRAMS.// 
 
RMKS/1.  This NAVADMIN announces the Shannon M. Kent Award for 
Language Professional Excellence and the Senior Language 
Professional, Civilian Language Professional, Navy (non-career) 
Linguist, Navy (non-career) Senior Linguist, and Command Language 
Program of the Year for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. 
 
2.  All nominees deserve congratulations for their successful use of 
foreign language skills as key operational enablers.  Having 
considered all entries, it is my distinct pleasure to announce the 
2022 Navy award winners: 
    a.  Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence: 
        CTI1(IW/EXW) Mason Lunsford, Cryptologic Warfare Activity 
SIXTY SEVEN 
    b.  Senior Language Professional of the Year: 
        CTIC(IW/SW/AW) Jamie Biro, Information Warfare Training 
Command, Monterey CA 
    c.  Civilian Language Professional of the Year: 
        Mr. Sepehr Sepahrom, Brooks Center for Maritime Engagement 
    d.  Linguist of the Year: 
        HM2 Arshad Khan, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training 
Command, Quantico, VA 
    e.  Senior Linguist of the Year: 
        BMC(SW/AW) Serhiy Dubenko, Defense Threat Reduction Agency 
    f.  Command Language Program of the Year: 
        Navy Information Operations Command Georgia (NIOC GA) 
 
3.  As the winners of the Shannon M. Kent Award for Language 
Professional Excellence and Command Language Program of the Year, 
CTI1 Lunsford and NIOC GA will go on to compete at the Department of 
Defense level and will be recognized at the FY-23 Advanced Command 
Language Program Manager Workshop, 12-14 September 2023. 
 
4.  Language, regional expertise, and culture (LREC) capabilities 
play a significant role in modern naval operations.  In the current 
operational environment, LREC is central to everything from 
humanitarian aid operations to building lasting relationships with 
our foreign partners.  LREC importance is clearly evident in the 
contributions of the winners listed above as well as those of their 
competition. 
 
5.  I extend my sincere appreciation for the continuing support of 
these vital Navy language programs and outstanding Sailors.  To our 
award winners, thank you for your ongoing dedication and 
professionalism.  Please accept my congratulations for a job 
exceptionally well done! 
 
6.  Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// 
 
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