Air & Space Forces Magazine’s Chris Gordon Wins ‘Best New Journalist’ at Defence Media Awards

Air & Space Forces Magazine‘s Chris Gordon was named “Best New Journalist” at the 2026 Defence Media Awards, where his work was praised by judges for “unparalleled feature-style storytelling.”

Gordon, the magazine’s Pentagon Editor, was also a finalist in two other categories, Best Breaking News and Best In-depth Defence Reporting. The Defence Media Awards are an independent annual competition that recognizes excellence in international defense journalism.

Gordon has covered military operations and senior leadership since joining Air & Space Forces Magazine in 2022. The magazine is the official publication of the Air & Space Forces Association, and predates the association, having originally been launched by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. 

For Gordon, the award is his second significant recognition this year. He was recognized by the Aerospace Media Awards previously for Best Military Aviation Submission, for his article “Life or Death Over Yemen: How 2 F-16 Pilots Survived a Houthi SAMbush.” That story detailed the mission of two U.S. Air Force F-16 pilots flying a Suppression of Enemy Air Defense sortie during strikes against Houthi weapons facilities in Yemen.  

“I am honored to receive this award,” Gordon said. “I want to recognize my tremendously skilled colleagues at Air & Space Forces Magazine who produce quality journalism every day and the support of my editors and the Air & Space Forces Association.”

“I’m glad to see Chris Gordon recognized for his talent and contributions to Air & Space Forces Magazine,” said Editor in Chief Tobias Naegele. “Chris’ infectious curiosity, relentless drive, and commitment to thoroughly understanding and accurately reporting are the hallmarks of a good journalism. What sets him apart, though, is caring not only about the subject we cover but the people we serve. The human dimension is what elevates Chris’ work, helping him shed light on the Airmen and Guardians who do the nation’s national security work and whose faces and personalities are too often invisible in conventional defense coverage.”

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on airpower and spacepower. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.