by unknown author

U.S. Coast Guard photo

Petty Officer 1st Class Byron L. Knepp, an engineering instructor for the Mobile Training Branch at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, was awarded the prestigious Paul H. Lankford Commandant Award from the U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 3, 2011. The Commandant’s Award is presented to the student who made the most significant contribution to the overall success of the class by demonstrating superior leadership abilities and excellent skills as a team member.

The mission of the academy is to provide noncommissioned officers with the tools to more effectively lead others in an ever-changing military environment by providing current and highly effective military education in areas of advanced leadership and management.