Major Weeks became the driving force behind critical modernization efforts of the supersonic B-1B immediately upon arrival to the 337th Squadron on 1 October 2025. He directly advanced the platform’s lethality, leaving an indelible mark on B-1B combat capabilities.

Major Weeks demonstrated tactical excellence by crushing his low-level certification, becoming one of eight B-1B low-level Instructor Pilots in the USAF, and the only Evaluator Pilot in B-1B Operational Test. This rare qualification solidified his status as an elite aviator, ensuring the continuity of critical skills requisite to test all B-1B software upgrades, and positioning him at the forefront of B-1B modernization.

Major Weeks spearheaded the greatest leap in B-1B communications since 1984 by redesigning a novel Hybrid Satellite Communication (SATCOM) system to address critical beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) limitations. In an unprecedented two weeks, he cut through traditional acquisition bureaucracy to accelerate the system from mere concept to a production-ready solution integrating jet power, enabling BLOS datalink and encrypted-internet connectivity. This achievement established a new paradigm for rapid, operator-focused development, accelerating Air Force Joint All-Domain Command and Control modernisation efforts.

Building on this success, Major Weeks leveraged the lessons learned to define requirements for the next-generation Hybrid SATCOM system (PG) and secured the B-1B as the threshold platform for testing Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Hybrid SATCOM innovations. Major Weeks built upon these successive successes to deliver a PG demonstration for flight testing during a premiere USAF Operational Test exercise providing invaluable input for new tactics, establishing the roadmap for continued USAF-wide Hybrid SATCOM development, and supporting Air Combat Command's #2 priority.

Furthermore, Major Weeks was pivotal in modernising the B-1B's line-of-sight communications by leading the integration of the $90 million ARC-210 Gen 6 radio. He synchronised efforts between Boeing, Air Force Materiel Command, and the B-1 System Program Office, making the B-1B the first USAF Bomber to achieve full NSA compliance; over six years ahead of other bomber airframes. He led an 11-member team to create the definitive technical checklist and streamlined training for 225 aviators, ensuring immediate community-wide readiness to use modernised secure communications, preserving the B-1B's competitive edge for world-wide combat operations.

Finally, Major Weeks took over Director of Operations for the 337th and ensured mission continuity during a manning gap, enabling in the execution of a $600k ground test that improved all future B-1B defensive upgrades. During a 43-day government shutdown, he assumed project management duties, enabling the USAF’s sole weapons test during that period. Displaying exceptional resourcefulness, he overcame severe constraints by coordinating the use of a partner unit's B-1B, generating ten months of flight data in two months and closing out three test programs worth $187 million.

The distinctive accomplishments of Major Dustin Weeks uniquely qualify him as a deserving recipient of the Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown Memorial Trophy.

2018   Roger "Dodge" Bailey

2019   Test Pilots of the F-35 Integrated Test Force, Nathan J Gray, Lt Cdr Peter Wilson, Sqn Ldr Andrew Edgell, Maj Michael Lippert USMC

2020   Ben Lewis

2021   Captain Richard Dane OBE

2022  James Kromberg

2023  not awarded

2024  AH-64E Combined Flight Test Team

2025  744 Naval Air Squadron, the Rotary Wing Test & Evaluation Squadron and 22 Squadron