MARCH 5, 2026 – Sgt. Ryan Wass, a sensor platoon maintenance chief with air control battery, 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, was recognized as the U.S. Missile Defender of the Year for the Marine Corps during the 16th Annual Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, Jan. 16, 2026.
The U.S. Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony is held annually by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, an organization that advocates for the development and deployment of missile defense systems to defend the United States, its armed forces, and its allies against missile threats. The awards are given to honor and recognize excellence among members of the missile defense community who have made significant contributions to missile defense over the past year. The ceremony has been held since 2011 and has honored missile defenders from 18 different countries. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps participated in this joint recognition for the very first time.
“Personally, it is an honor to be recognized. Professionally, I see it as a door being opened by, and for, all aviation radar technicians to display our capabilities in air defense,” Wass said. “This award proved that the Marines of sensors platoon can create new opportunities for all aviation radar technicians across the Marine Corps. We will continue to push to prove our capabilities and master our craft.”
Wass received the award for his expert supervision and leadership while serving as the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar crew chief during 3rd MLR’s deployment to the Philippines last year in support of the long-standing bilateral exercise, Balikatan 25. While in the Philippines, Wass implemented new operating concepts that allowed for distributed, advanced sensing that contributed to a resilient integrated air and missile defense network. His initiative, a reflection of the expertise in his craft, underscored the core tenets of Force Design, where expeditionary, agile and distributed sensing capabilities enable integrated Joint Force operations and “any sensor, best shooter” engagement concepts.
Gunnery Sgt. Dixie Agcaoili, the 3rd LAAB air defense battery first sergeant and operations chief, said he was not surprised when he received the news of Wass being awarded, highlighting Wass’ work ethic and commitment to 3rd LAAB’s mission of conducting anti-air warfare and enabling the integration of aviation operations with organic and joint fires.
“It honestly wasn’t a surprise because Sgt. Wass’ work ethic is exceptional. He has been trained by some of the best in the radar community. He maintains a high level of mental composure and expertise necessary for his MOS,” Agcaoili said. “Sgt. Wass prioritizes the mission above all else, and he’s one of very few Marines that I’ve worked with that keeps a cool head when things go sideways.”
The Missile Defender of the Year Award serves as a recognition for Wass, his technical skillset, expertise and leadership, but it also represents the success of 3rd LAAB and the necessity of the formation’s mission in the modern battlespace. His achievement is a prime example that through the pursuit of subject matter expertise, Marines at every echelon can find creative solutions for future operations.
Story by Cpl. Ernesto Lagunes
3d Marine Division