KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Maintenance Professional of the Year (MPOY) Ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base was recently held on March 5, 2026. It is a tradition that honors the dedication and achievements of Air Force maintainers. The event recognizes the top performing maintenance professionals from 898th Munitions Squadron and the 377th Maintenance Squadron who have demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and leadership throughout the year. The ceremony highlights not only individual accomplishments but also the collective effort of the maintenance community. Here is the list of the winners:
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Awards
• Amn: SrA Caleb Kindle
• NCO: TSgt Trevor Rohrbough
• SNCO: MSgt Nicholas McClary
• CGO: 2d Lt Ryan Willis
Maintenance Support Professional of the Year
• Amn: A1C Taufau Taga-Levao (AFGSC Winner)
• NCO: TSgt Alex Cedergren
• SNCO: MSgt Stephen Lewis
• CGO: 2d Lt Ryan Willis
Maintenance Professional of the Year
• Amn: SrA Kyle Moritz
• NCO: TSgt Trevor Rohrbough
• SNCO: MSgt Nicholas McClary
• CGO: 1st Lt Daniel Anand
Munitions Systems Professional (2W0)
• Technician: SrA Nathaniel Crosson
• Supervisor: TSgt Justin Moyle
Nuclear Munitions Systems (2W2)
• Amn: SrA Kyle Moritz
• NCO: TSgt Trevor Rohrbough
• SNCO: MSgt Nicholas McClary
• CGO: 1st Lt Kyle Patterson
Warfighter Communications & Team Awards
• Amn: SrA Alexander Hamrick
• NCO: TSgt Eric Martineau
• Civilian Cat 3: Mr. Christopher Rebarchik
• 2025 Gen. Edwin W. Rawlings Team of the Year: VIIDS Section
Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Awards
• NCO: TSgt Justin Moyle
• SNCO: MSgt Nicholas McClary
• CGO: 2d Lt Ryan Willis
Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL)
• Amn: SrA Alexander Shikman
• NCO: TSgt Timothy Miller
• Civilian NS: Mr. William Cairo
• Civilian S: Mr. John Thesz
Airmen & Civilians of the Year
• Amn: SrA Nathaniel Crosson
• NCO: SSgt Otoniel Tamayo Molina
• SNCO: MSgt Mathias Houldieson
• CGO: 1st Lt Kyle Patterson
• Team: Quality Assurance
• Civilian Cat 1: Ms. Jessica Kauffman
• Civilian Cat 2: Mr. Tyler Grace
• Civilian Cat 2 (Sup): Mr. Anthony Loverde
• Civilian Cat 3: Mr. Christopher Rebarchik
377 Maintenance Group professionals ensure that our nuclear and munitions maintenance systems remain operational and safe. In aircraft maintenance specifically, Airmen inspect, repair, and service complex systems including engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and structural components to guarantee that aircraft are ready to fly at a moment’s notice.
"The pride of being a part of this squadron and the group as a whole is what resonates with me most as a leader," said Col. Christine Hernandez deputy commander of the 377th Maintenance Group. "The fact that each maintainer feels as though they are a part of something bigger than themselves. The fact that no matter how much things change, new technologies, new processes, new Airmen, the tradition of celebrating the team remains.
By acknowledging outstanding performers, the MPOY ceremony reinforces a culture of excellence and motivates maintainers to strive for high standards. At Kirtland, this dedication is vital, as maintainers provide the precision required to directly support the nation’s nuclear mission.
Events like this strengthen morale and camaraderie. Being recognized reminds service members that their hard work is valued and and essential to mission success. Ultimately, the ceremony celebrates the passion and professionalism of the Airmen who proudly serve in the maintenance career field. "At the end of the day, it is these maintainers who are the backbone of the Air Force. They may never truly know their impact or importance of what they do, but for today, they know they are truly valued and appreciated." Hernandez stated.