NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — It wasn’t exactly the Olympics, yet three employees from NAVAIR’s acquisition Program Management (AIR-1.0) organization nabbed gold, silver and bronze awards at a recent event honoring their service.

The three AIR-1.0 professionals were among more than 300 employees recognized in 20 award categories at the 47th Excellence in Federal Career Awards hosted by the Baltimore Federal Executive Board and held May 2 in that city.

Though aligned under AIR-1.0, two of the three employees support other NAVAIR program offices.

Sarah Gilstrap, the deputy integrated product team lead for Mission Systems/Landing Gear/Airframes for the H-53 Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261), earned a silver award in the Rookie Employee of the Year Administrative/Management Analyst category. She beat out her competitors in that category, ultimately winning another overall gold award. Known as a quick study, Gilstrap is credited for saving the H-53 program, currently in the system development and demonstration phase, more than $100 million; and leading the progress of a 50-caliber machine gun mount for the helicopter.

“I’m humbled,” said Gilstrap, who balanced her workload with the birth of a baby last year. “I have to give a lot of credit to my team and the folks who have mentored me and supported me over my nearly two-year federal career.”

Adam Johnston, former deputy Integrated product team lead for Triton Unmanned Air Systems (PMA-262) development, received a bronze honor in the Outstanding Supervisor, GS-13 above category. Johnston oversees a 300-member team that manages the cost, schedule and performance of a $2.7-billion engineering, manufacturing and development effort for the high-altitude, long endurance unmanned air system, scheduled to be delivered to the fleet in 2017.

“I love working on a program that is on the forefront of naval aviation,” Johnston said. “I get to tackle really complex problems and solve them with an extremely dedicated and highly skilled team.”

Deputy Assistant Program Manager for Logistics (AIR-6.0) for the Air Combat Electronics Program Office’s (PMA-209) Fleet Support Team (FST), John “Jeff” Cooke also won a bronze award as Rookie Employee of the Year in the Technical Scientific and Program Support category. Nominators praised Cooke for guiding the FST through numerous logistics obstacles by applying various supply-management techniques, such as product warehousing, system or piece-part redesign and replacement as well as resourcefully managing the FST’s broad product base with limited staffing and funding.

“I’m probably the oldest ‘rookie’ in the group,” said Cooke who served more than 24 years on active duty in the Navy before joining the federal government nearly two years ago. “I’m very appreciative that others recognize my efforts, but know there are scores of people behind the scenes involved with any rookie’s accomplishments.”

Keith Sanders, who as assistant commander for acquisition leads AIR-1.0, said he was inspired by the innovation and dedication of his workforce.

“Being recognized for excellence in federal service is proof that others are aware of the hard work of our professionals at Pax River,” he said. “Further, the award underscores their commitment to our ultimate customer — the fleet."