Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) announced its Aeromedical Safety Officer (AMSO) of the Year for fiscal year 2021, Oct. 27.

CNATRA selected Lt. Dennis J. Madden of Training Air Wing (TW) 1, Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Mississippi, for the award from a group of highly competitive nominees.

“Each nominee distinguished themselves by commitment to quality training and mission accomplishment, and should each be justifiably proud of their accomplishments,” CNATRA Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff said. “The extremely tough competition for this award is indicative of the true dedication and professionalism of all Training Air Wing aeromedical safety officers.”

Madden provides aeromedical training and support for the intermediate and advanced strike syllabus helping student naval aviators achieve their goal of earning their Wings of Gold.

“It’s a privilege to serve the instructors and students at Training Wing 1 and an honor to be recognized,” Madden said. “Working with the staff here, as well as my fellow CNATRA AMSOs, over the past few years has really helped me become a better physiologist, instructor, and officer.”

The CNATRA AMSO of the Year award recognizes the top AMSO across the entire Naval Air Training Command. The awardee is selected based on the level of one-on-one interaction with their respective squadrons and their proactive role in addressing aeromedical issues while improving the quality of training.

Originally from Akron, Ohio, Madden enlisted in the United States Navy in 2000. While enlisted, he served with base police in Naples, Italy, and as an operations specialist aboard amphibious transport dock USS Trenton (LPD 14) in Norfolk. After his four-year contract ended, he enrolled at Ohio State University where he studied medical dietetics. He attended St. Cloud State University where he earned a master’s degree in exercise physiology and the University of Split School of Medicine where he earned his PhD in evidence-based medicine. He returned to the Navy and entered into the Aerospace and Operational Physiology program in the Medical Service Corps. He also holds an Aerospace Medical Association certification in aerospace physiology.

CNATRA, headquartered in Corpus Christi, trains the world's finest combat-quality aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time, in the right numbers, and at the right cost to a naval force that is where it matters, when it matters.