LaPlante receives W. Stuart Symington Award Published Sept. 21, 2015 Secretary of the Air Force Acquisition WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force Association presented Dr. William J. LaPlante the W. Stuart Symington Award at an Air Force anniversary dinner Sept. 16 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington D.C. LaPlante, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, is responsible for all Air Force research, development, acquisition and sustainment activities. LaPlante oversees a research and development, test, production and modernization program portfolio of more than $32 billion annually. He is also responsible for development and execution of policies and procedures in support of the operation and improvement of the Air Force's acquisition system. AFA awards its highest honor every year for the most significant contribution by a civilian in the field of national defense, and presented it in conjunction with its 2015 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition this year. LaPlante was commended for his public role in our nation’s defense and in development of acquisition policy. He joins other recipients such as former President George H. W. Bush, former Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger and former Secretary of State George P. Schultz.