The 309th Software Engineering Group at Hill Air Force Base received the highly regarded Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper Award for Software Maintenance Excellence from the Department of Defense. This has been quite an accomplishment for the unit. The award is one that recognizes what the 309th SWEG has provided to DoD software capabilities and points out the commitment of the group to technical innovation, enabling operational missions around the world.

The Rear Admiral Grace Hopper Award was awarded to provide recognition for excellence in software maintenance, identifying one such DoD entity each year with a record of exemplary service. Given the name of Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, trailblazing creator and inventor of computer science and programming, it is only fitting that this award carries her legacy as one of the pioneers in this field. Her ideas were groundbreaking; for instance, the development of high-level, machine-independent programming languages still used today.

“Winning the 2024 Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper Award is a tremendous honor for the 309th Software Engineering Group,” said Jim Diamond, 309th SWEG director. “It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our team. This award is particularly meaningful as it recognizes our commitment to advancing the field of software development, a passion shared by Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper herself. We are inspired by her legacy and will continue to strive for excellence in our work.”

This marks the second time the 309th SWEG has received this award; the first one being awarded in 2020. According to the DoD, the 309th’s sustained accomplishments and impact on mission-readiness reflect the group’s consistent dedication to improving software solutions that directly support military units. From cyber-resiliency initiatives to advanced data analysis, the team’s work ensures that operational units receive cutting-edge support critical to modern defense.

An official ceremony presenting the award will take place on Dec. 11 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The official presentation will take place within the framework of the Department of Defense's Maintenance Symposium – an annual event that gathers together defense personnel, industry experts, and innovators to address the challenges and advancements within the field of maintenance in the DoD. λ