Col. Kevin Gross, left, commanding officer of the Marine Aviation Detachment, celebrates with Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Gonzalez, center, who was given the Commandant’s Award for Acquisition Excellence on Oct. 18. Gonzalez was stationed at China Lake when he earned the preliminary award in January, the Marine Corps Aviation Association John Glenn Squadron Joyce/Leader Acquisition Staff Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award, which led to this national selection. Currently assigned to VMA-542, MAG 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Gonzalez was recognized for his work with the AV-8B Joint Systems Support Activity (JSSA) as a key player in the design of the Harrier 5.0 Block Upgrade, as well as the integration of the LITENING targeting pod on the aircraft centerline station. The JSSA also relied on his technical expertise during the requirements definition and design of STRIKELINK A+ integration on the AV-8B. Joining Gross, and Gonzalez and his wife, Jamie, are from left Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos and 1st Sgt. Damon Sanford.