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The Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland, responsible for training and developing communications professionals from across the military, announced the results of its 2014 Military Photographer of the Year competition today, according to Stars and Stripes.

The top distinction goes to Air Force Staff Sgt. Vernon Young, who won with some incredible photos of military operations in Afghanistan.

See five of Young’s award-winning shots below:

Low Pass — U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Josh Martin, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, Mi-17 aerial gunner, provides rear security on a Mi-17 helicopter, Kabul, Afghanistan, May 31, 2014.

5 Pictures That Made This Airman The Top Photographer In The Military

Splash — Staff Sgt. Kyle McGann, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, climbs into a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle during EOD blast pit training, March 16, 2014.

5 Pictures That Made This Airman The Top Photographer In The Military

Faces of Afghanistan — An Afghan man spends a moment alone inside the Afghan National Army military planning room prior to serving tea to soldiers, June 11, 2014.

5 Pictures That Made This Airman The Top Photographer In The Military

Timing — A U.S. Army soldier swings a golf club after duty, March 29, 2014. Military members remain mission focused by maintaining a healthy balance of physical and social activities during deployments.

5 Pictures That Made This Airman The Top Photographer In The Military

A Deeper Connection — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Damion Kennedy shares a laughs with a local Afghan man as he provides overwatch for a base detail project, April 8, 2014. Kennedy and his soldiers have developed strong connections with Afghans during their deployment.

5 Pictures That Made This Airman The Top Photographer In The Military