Tournear Honored with AFA’s W. Stuart Symington Award 

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 16, 2024 — The Air & Space Forces Association presented the W. Stuart Symington Award to Dr. Derek Tournear for the most outstanding contribution to national defense by a civilian.  

The award was jointly presented at the 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration Frank Calvelli, Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, AFA Chair Brig. Gen. Bernie Skoch, USAF (Ret.), and AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field ,USAF (Ret.). 

As the first permanent director of the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA), Tournear has been instrumental in transforming military satellite procurement with innovative use of small satellites and commercially available technology. Under his leadership, the SDA has rapidly deployed 27 satellites, with plans to launch 160 more in the next 18 months, demonstrating commitment to speed and innovation captured in the agency’s motto, “Semper Citius” (“Always Faster”). 
 
“Dr. Tournear’s leadership at the Space Development Agency exemplifies the spirit of innovation and agility that is essential to our national defense,” said Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.). “This award not only recognizes his extraordinary contributions but also highlights the relentless drive of the SDA team to stay ahead of emerging threats. Their dedication to the motto, ‘Always Faster,’ is a cornerstone of their success.” 

Before leading the SDA, Tournear coordinated all Department of Defense space efforts and initiated programs to address critical gaps. His career includes roles at Harris Corporation, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and DARPA. A Purdue University Graduate with a PH.D. in Physics from Stanford University, he has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service and the 2021 Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Award. 

AFA is proud to add to Dr. Tournear’s list of achievements in awarding him the W. Stuart Symington Award. 

Congratulations, Dr. Tournear! 

About AFA  

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for investment and support for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and for supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 120,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces 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 and Space Forces.