Recognition reflects more than two decades of V-22 aircraft program experience, strong supplier performance and continued investment in sustainment

TULSA, Okla., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, has been named the 2026 Team Osprey Supplier of the Year by Team Osprey, a collaborative group of industry, government and military leaders dedicated to supporting the V-22 Osprey program. The award recognizes exceptional performance, partnership and commitment to the aircraft program and was announced during the 2026 Annual Team Osprey Working Group Conference, which brings together leaders and suppliers from across the V-22 industrial base.

For more than 20 years, Cherokee Federal has supplied electrical wire harnesses and cables for the V-22 Osprey, a military tiltrotor aircraft used by U.S. forces worldwide. The work is performed by Cherokee Federal employees in Stilwell, Oklahoma, on the Cherokee Nation reservation. The company earned this year’s recognition for its responsiveness, consistent delivery of quality products on schedule, and proactive investments to strengthen production and long-term sustainment.

“Our more than two decades of support for the V-22 program reflects the trust our customers and partners place in Cherokee Federal and, most importantly, in our people,” said Tom Watson, president of Cherokee Federal. “This recognition belongs to the team whose consistency, craftsmanship and commitment to quality and the mission have earned that trust year after year. We’re proud to continue investing in the capabilities that strengthen readiness, support the warfighter and create meaningful impact for our customers and the Cherokee Nation.”

Cherokee Federal was recognized in part for its collaborative approach to overcoming production challenges and continuously improving performance. The company has secured long-lead materials to help protect production schedules while investing in capital equipment and automation aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs in future procurements.

“This award is especially meaningful because it recognizes the people behind this work and the responsibility they carry every day,” said Chris Moody, Executive General Manager at Cherokee Federal. “For more than two decades, our team in Stilwell has proudly supported the V-22 program from right here on the Cherokee Nation reservation. There’s a tremendous sense of pride in knowing our employees’ skill and craftsmanship contribute to an important mission for our military and the warfighters who depend on it.”

Cherokee Federal is also contributing to future sustainment and nacelle improvement initiatives focused on V-22 readiness, reliability and maintainability. The work supports broader efforts to keep the aircraft capable, affordable and supportable throughout its lifecycle.

Cherokee Federal continues to work alongside Bell Boeing to support the V-22 program and its evolving sustainment needs.

To learn more about Cherokee Federal, visit cherokee-federal.com.

About Cherokee Federal

Cherokee Federal is the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses — the economic engine of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. The mission of Cherokee Federal is to build a talented team that provides innovative solutions that solve America’s greatest challenges and serves the Cherokee Nation with strong conviction and heart. For more information, please visit cherokee-federal.com or follow Cherokee Federal on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

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SOURCE Cherokee Federal