News Article Release

Naval Academy Midshipman Named Tomorrow’s Leader by “Aviation Week”

Mar 8, 2012

By Jessica Clark

Naval Academy Midshipman 1st Class Cameron Thornberry received the Tomorrow’s Leader Award at the Aviation Week Laureate Awards Dinner March 7 in Washington, D.C.

The Aviation Week laureate awards recognize individuals and teams for achievements that embody the spirit of exploration, innovation, and vision and that inspire others to strive for significant, broad-reaching progress in aviation.

With a 3.92 grade point average in aerospace engineering and a lifelong love of flying, Thornberry was an ideal candidate.

“I’ve carried a steadfast passion for both military and civil aviation ever since I attended my first air show during my grade school years,” said Thornberry. “Flying is something I’ve always wanted to pursue, and my unwavering love for aviation is what led me to earn my private pilot's license in high school.”

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Award honors young men and women who have chosen career paths in the armed forces, are ranked within the top five percent of their graduating class, and have demonstrated a special interest in aviation or aerospace.

Thornberry set his sights early on a career as a military pilot and decided on a commission from the Naval Academy as the best way to become a military aviator.

During his four years at the academy, Thornberry has taken advantage of every opportunity to be involved in aviation. He is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Naval Academy Soaring Squadron. During his summer training, he interned with two test squadrons - VX-9 in China Lake, Calif., and VX-23 in Patuxent River, Md., flying with F/Aᆦ pilots.

“Since attending the Naval Academy I’ve done everything in my power to become the best officer I can be, including immersing myself in aviation and aeronautics,” he said. “I truly enjoy it, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”