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SUBJ/2023 SHANNON M. KENT AWARD FOR LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE, 
LANGUAGE PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR, AND COMMAND LANGUAGE PROGRAM OF 
THE YEAR ANNOUNCEMENT// 
 
REF/A/DOC/OPNAVINST 5400.46A/18MAY21// 
AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 5400.46A, COMMAND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND AWARDS.// 
 
RMKS/1.  This NAVADMIN announces the Shannon M. Kent Award for Language 
Professional Excellence, Senior Language Professional, Officer Language 
Professional, and Command Language Program of the Year for Fiscal Year (FY) 
2023. 
 
2.  I congratulate all nominees for their outstanding accomplishments while 
employing their foreign language skills supporting national and Navy 
missions.  Having considered all entries, it is my distinct pleasure to 
announce the 2023 Navy award winners: 
    a.  Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence: 
        CTI1(IW/SW/AW/NAC) Deborah Bowers, Information Warfare Training 
Command, Monterey CA, Detachment Goodfellow Air Force Base 
    b.  Senior Language Professional of the Year: 
        CTIC(IW/SW) Robert Gilbert, Information Warfare Training Command, 
Monterey CA 
    c.  Officer Language Professional of the Year: 
        LCDR Bieu Tran, Navy Reserve Center Newport 
    d.  Command Language Program of the Year: 
        Navy Information Operations Command Pacific (NIOC PAC) 
 
3.  As the winners of the Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional 
Excellence and Command Language Program of the Year, CTI1 Bowers and NIOC PAC 
will go on to compete at the Department of Defense level and will be 
recognized at the FY-24 Advanced Command Language Program Manager Workshop, 
10-12 September 2024. 
 
4.  Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (LREC) capabilities play a 
significant role in our Navy's warfighting readiness.  The winners listed 
above, as well as their competition, have distinguished themselves for their 
language contributions toward safeguarding our nation against enduring 
challenges and emerging threats, and fostering strategic alliances.  I thank 
them for their ongoing dedication and professionalism in these endeavors. 
 
5.  I extend my sincere appreciation for the continuing support of these 
vital Navy language programs and outstanding Sailors.  Bravo Zulu to our 
award winners! 
 
6.  Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// 
 
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