1. Home
  2. News & Events
  3. News
  4. Top Performers Recognized at ONI Birthday Celebration

Top Performers Recognized at ONI Birthday Celebration

ONI held its 143rd anniversary celebration and annual awards ceremony on Friday, 21 March 2025 at the National Maritime Intelligence Center in Suitland, Maryland. 

COMONI Rear Admiral Brookes kicked off the ceremony with a recap of ONI’s history from its earliest days, when Lieutenant Theodorus Mason first led the organization, through the first world wars. Admiral Brookes then gave special recognition to senior civilian Mr. Mike Borland for his valuable contributions to Naval Intelligence. Mike recently retired from ONI, where he most recently served as Senior Advisor for Collection and Partnerships. Notably, he was also the 2024 NIP Red Tie Award winner. It was a special treat to hear from Naval Intelligence legend, Mr. Rich Haver, who gave personal testimony to the great work that Mike did throughout his 37-year career at ONI. 

NIP Chair Vice Admiral (Ret) Bob Sharp was on hand to present the NIP-sponsored awards to the following individuals, with COMONI: 

2024 ONI SAILOR OF THE YEAR

2024 OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE CIVILIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD: Mr. Andrew Gibson

The 2024 Captain Sidney Wood ONI Junior Officer of the Year award was also presented, but the name of the individual is being withheld at their request.  

Admiral Sharp took the opportunity to speak about NIP and ensure each of the award winners knew that in addition to the plaque they received, they were also given a membership to NIP.

Following the ceremony, the oldest serving member in the room (Rear Admiral Brookes) and the youngest member (YNSA Aniya Rahming) cut the traditional birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, ONI!

The ONI awardees, along with VADM (Ret) Bob Sharp, COMONI RADM Mike Brookes and Deputy COMONI Mr. Mark Elliott, pose for a fun group photo. (ONI/C McGinnity)
NIP Chair VADM (Ret) Bob Sharp gave a few words before presenting the NIP-sponsored awards.
COMONI RADM Mike Brookes addresses the audience to kick off the ceremony and provide some ONI history.
Mr. Rich Haver added to the special recognition of Mr. Mike Borland.
The traditional birthday cake cutting, with the most senior serving member (RADM Brookes) and the most junior serving member (YNSA Aniya Rahming).