Dahlgren Vol. 26, No. 4, MAY, 2016
What’s Inside
Dahlgren museum gets ready to celebrate
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Navy, local officials meet to discuss cooperation on issues tied to base
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U.S. Navy photo by Barbara Wagner
Colonial Beach Mayor Mike Ham presented a review of upcoming improvements at the Beach including the planned start of construction on the new Colonial Beach Elementary School at the Navy’s community relations meeting last week. Richard Leggitt
Burnett retires from NSWCDD position
Vice chief of Naval Operations visits base
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Officials from King George, Westmoreland and Colonial Beach met last week in Colonial Beach with representatives of the Naval Support Facility in Dahlgren to discuss the Navy's growing economic impact on the area. "The good news is that our economic numbers are on course," said Navy Cmdr. Chris Zayatz, the executive officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac. Cmdr. Zayatz and Colonial Beach Mayor Mike Ham were co-hosts of the meeting which was held at the High Tides restaurant on the Potomac. The Naval Support Facility,
“The Naval Support Facility Dahlgren has an annual civilian payroll of $499 million, an annual military payroll of $35 million ...” U.S. Navy Cmdr. Chris Zayatz.
which has been in operation for 98 years, is an increasingly important economic engine for the Northern Neck and the Fredericksburg area. And, Ham and the other officials attending the meeting stressed the Navy’s importance to the region. Cmdr. Zayatz noted the Navy is currently employing 4,850 civilian personnel in addition to 394 military personnel at Dahlgren. And, Zayatz said, the Navy is currently working with 4,346 military contractors, most of whom live and work in the area. “The Naval Support Facility Dahlgren has an annual civilian payroll of $499 million, an annual military payroll of $35 million and it contracts for and makes
small purchases annually totaling $1.9 billion,” Zayatz said. It was the second annual meeting of the Civilian-Military Community Council, the area group composed of civilian leaders and Navy representatives that was begun to develop and maintain productive working relationships between the military and civilian officials. At the update provided area officials last week, the Navy revealed that a new 57,000 square foot missile support facility that will include a submarine ballistic missile lavatory is under construction at the Dahlgren base.
See Navy, page 8
Dahlgren’s Official, Unofficial • We’re all Dahlgren about Dahlgren Dahlgren’s Official, Unofficialbase base newspaper newspaper • We’re all about
See Officials, page 2
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may 2016 • THE SOURCE
Officials: Local leaders meet From page 1
A new biometric identification system has been employed to enhance security at the Navy facility and an overhead gate canopy at the main base gate is being completed and will be operating by July. Additionally, Navy officials said, the Navy is holding hurricane preparedness drills with the Red Cross. Navy officials gave a presentation on the base’s impact on the community, including employing 4,346 contractors, with an annual civilian payroll of $499 million, an annual military payroll of $35 million and total economic impact including contracts and small purchases of $1.9 billion. The canopy project at Dahlgren’s main gate is underway, scheduled for completion in July. Main gate closures are weekdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Navy officials reported the exit only gate is working well through Dahlgren Post Office. Navy officials recapped the P287 Missile Support Facility Groundbreaking Ceremony on March 11. Sen. Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman were on hand for the ceremony celebrating construction of a new 57,646-squarefoot low-rise Missile Support Facility Replacement as an addition to Building #1560, Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Laboratory. The addition will provide secure computational and analysis laboratory space, unique Fleet Weapon Control systems and technical office space. In addition, the project renovates 5,623 square feet of the existing portion of Building #1560, Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Laboratory, to reduce new construction requirements, allow access to the new building addition and better utilize existing raised-flooring laboratory space. Navy officials reported that a
U.S. Navy photo by Barbara Wagner
Lt. Cmdr. Joel Hill from the Navy Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Detachment in Dahlgren presented information at last week’s community relations meeting in Colonial Beach about the Navy command’s reorganization and mission. New Defense Biometric Identification System has been deployed at NSF Dahlgren and NSF Indian Head. the system will scan credentials and search additional database, identifying individuals with outstanding warrants. Scanning will be extended to
visitor badges. Navy officials reported they met with members of the American Red Cross in Maryland and Virginia to establish relationship with agency. ARC personnel will participate in training exercises and provide curriculum for
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Fleet and Family Support Center programs. Other cooperative efforts are being identified. HURREX – annual hurricane exercise – encouraged employees and the community to prepare themselves for the upcoming hurricane season.
Earth Day events were held in April at both bases, including tree planting ceremonies, shoreline clean-ups that netted 840 lbs of trash and a visit from Indian Head Elementary Science Club with numerous environmental displays.
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THE SOURCE • May 2016
Dahlgren Museum gets set for big celebrations Richard Leggitt The Dahlgren Naval Support Facility's almost century of service to the nation is being celebrated anew with the expanded operating schedule of the Dahlgren Heritage Museum located on U.S. 301 on the banks of the Potomac River. The impressive museum, which is located at 3540 James Madison Highway, was created to memorialize the story of the Naval Support Facility that has been a prominent contributor to the vitality and economics of King George County and the Northern Neck since 1918. An expanded five day a week schedule will hopefully allow the museum to make contact with more visitors and residents of the Northern Neck, said Ed Jones, president of See Museum, page 4
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Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits NSWC Dahlgren Division U.S. Navy Photos by John Joyce
Above left, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard and Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Capt. Brian Durant, center, take a break after meetings with senior Navy scientists and engineers. Howard, Rear Admiral DeWolfe Miller, assistant deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems, and Claude Barron, OPNAV Assured Command and Control director, received briefs on programs managed by three NSWCDD technical departments: Strategic & Computing Systems Department; Electromagnetic & Sensor Systems Department; and the Gun & Electric Weapon Systems Department. Standing left to right are Meredith Bondurant, NSWCDD chief of staff; Michael Till, NSWCDD acting technical director; Howard; Durant; Miller, and Barron. Above right, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard and Rear Admiral DeWolfe Miller, assistant deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems pause after meetings with senior Navy scientists and engineers. Howard, Miller, and Claude Barron, OPNAV Assured Command and Control director, received briefs on programs managed by three NSWCDD technical departments: Strategic & Computing Systems Department; Electromagnetic & Sensor Systems Department; and the Gun & Electric Weapon Systems Department. Standing left to right are Jim Yee, NSWCDD acting department head for Gun & Electric Weapon Systems; Dale Sisson, NSWCDD department head for Electromagnetic & Sensor Systems; Kyle Jones, NSWCDD department head for Strategic & Computing Systems; Howard; Miller; Chris Barnes, NSWCDD division head for Electromagnetic Effects, and Barron.
Museum: Ready to celebrate From page 3
the not for profit Dahlgren Heritage Foundation, which operates the museum The museum has been operating on an abbreviated schedule, usually open only on Saturday afternoons. Under the expanded schedule, paid staff and volunteers will keep the museum's story telling exhibits open for 35 hours a week including Wednesday's through Sunday's from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The museum will also host heritage events with key speakers including a First Thursday event every month. "This major upgrade will produce significant, tangible benefits to the surrounding counties throughout the Northern Neck," Jones said. "We will now be in a better position to support tourism in the region in a way that respects our history and fuels local economic development. The mission of our museum is to tell the story, not only of the Naval Support Facility at Dahlgren, but also of the community that surrounds it." The Dahlgren Navy base first opened in 97 years ago to test guns designed for Navy warships. Over the years, the base has evolved into one of the Navy's premier research and development labs. Now known just as the Naval Support Facility, it includes a 25-mile firing range along the Potomac River. Determined to honor and celebrate the Navy base's achievements through the decades, the Dahlgren
Photo by Richard Leggitt
Dahlgren Navy base veterans and museum volunteers turned out for the grand opening in April Heritage Foundation open the museum in 2012 and moved and expanded it last year. The muse um is one of more than a dozen Navy museums across the nation that depends on community support. The museum features a decades long list of historical items that were
built at Dahlgren for use by the Navy including the legendary Norden bombsight, displays of guided missiles and remote controlled airplanes, notes on the triggering device for the first atomic bomb and parts of the world’s first computers. Currently planned programs to include a First
Thursday speaker series featuring speakers former Dahlgren Navy employees and scholars of Dahlgren’s evolution and its expected contributions to the Navy of the future. There will also be a presentations about Life at Dahlgren through the decades and a series on Dahlgren Before the Ar-
rival of the Navy presentation by the King George Historical Society. All special programs are hosted at the museum and are free and open to the public. Special events and other information about Dahlgren’s heritage can be found on line at www. dahlgrenmuseum.org.
THE SOURCE • May 2016
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NSWCDD Tech. Director McLaughlin retires DAHLGREN, Va. — Dennis McLaughlin retired from the Department of Defense Senior Executive Service during a ceremony held April 1 at a command he considers the “crown jewel” of Navy Warfare Centers. McLaughlin – Technical Director for Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division since October 2013 – described his tenure at NSWCDD as “the capstone to my career” in his last letter to the command’s workforce prior to his retirement. “It has been a tremendous experience,” McLaughlin told more than 6,000 employees, comprising government civilians, defense contractors and military personnel. “Dahlgren is often called 'The Crown Jewel' of the Warfare Centers — and for good reason! Our long history of success is well known throughout the Navy.” McLaughlin led the command’s widespread technical efforts impacting a myriad of Navy and joint programs including – to name just a few – Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense; Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Warfare Defense; Cyber Warfare; Homeland Security and Defense; Combat Systems; Radar and Distribution Systems; Directed Energy from Electromagnetic Railgun to the Laser Weapons System; and the weaponization of Surface and Air Unmanned Systems. “Of course, I have only touched the wave tops of all the interesting work we do here,” McLaughlin wrote. “There is a lot more — far more than I could describe in a simple message. It's all good and all highly valued. A prime example of this is the ground breaking we just had for our new [Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile] facility, laying the foundation for the future of Dahlgren. Dahlgren Division has a bright future, and you are all a key part in shaping it.” McLaughlin led the command’s research, development, test, evaluation, analysis, systems engineering, integration, and certification of complex naval combat, sensor, weapon, and strategic systems associated with surface warfare as well as homeland and force protection. “I am proud to have worked here,” McLaughlin continued. “I'm particularly proud of the smart, hardworking and innovative Dahlgren people that make our Navy the best in the world. Our people are the intellectual capital the Navy looks to in order to solve issues facing warfighters. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege and honor of getting to know you and to hopefully help you in
your journey. If it wasn't for all of you, we could not turn ships into warships. You have my admiration and heartfelt thanks for a job well done.” In an interview prior to his departure, McLaughlin reflected on the top three highlights of his civil service career: his leadership impact as NSWCDD’s technical director; his work on the open architecture design for the Navy's Virginia class submarine; and his founding of the Naval Sea Systems Command Wounded Warrior Program. “The design of the Virginia Class Combat System is something that I did with a small team of folks,” said McLaughlin, who wrote the specification and led the design team for the submarine's combat control system. It was the first such structural design for a U.S. Navy vessel. “At the time, we didn’t realize it but now it’s clear that we had a huge impact on how U.S. submarine service will operate and fight their ships.” A leader in the Navy's Disabled Veteran Outreach efforts, he served as the director of NAVSEA’s Wounded Warrior Program. "I have seen firsthand the benefits of hiring disabled veterans," said McLaughlin. “Since, I started that program, somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 wounded warriors have come in to service in the Navy. In some cases, it really made a difference to have a job and participate. Former service members have a lot of pride and they understand teamwork. They want to be part of a team and they don’t want handouts.” What departing words of advice does McLaughlin have for his (yet to be selected) successor? “Focus on technical excellence,” McLaughlin advised. “That’s our reputation and our future. We are technically excellent and people recognize that, but to stay on top we’ve got to continue to focus on it.” McLaughlin and NSWCDD Commanding Officer Brian Durant also provided guidance related to the command’s technical excellence and its core capability to deliver integrated solutions through innovation and systems engineering in a document called the NSWCDD 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. “Special emphasis is placed on technical opportunities in emerging warfare areas aligned with our core capability to deliver integrated solutions through innovation and systems engineering,” they advised. “The thrusts we are pursuing build off our science and engineering foundation and are envisioned
U.S. Navy photo
DAHLGREN, Va. - Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Technical Director Dennis McLaughlin retired from the Department of Defense (DoD) Senior Executive Service, April 1. McLaughlin led a wide-range of NSWCDD technical efforts impacting DoD programs from Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and Directed Energy to Cyber Warfare and the weaponization of unmanned systems. A leader in the Navy's Disabled Veteran Outreach efforts, he served as the director of the Naval Sea System Command’s Wounded Warrior Program. "I have seen firsthand the benefits of hiring disabled veterans," said McLaughlin. "In some cases, it really made a difference to have a job and participate. Former service members have a lot of pride and they understand teamwork. They want to be part of a team and they don't want handouts." to become an integral part of our directing a workforce of more than and explosive ordnance disposal core technical expertise in the fu- 1,700 employees, while providing technology for all Navy warfare ture. Over the next five years, we technical capability in energetics centers will lead electric weapons design, development and integration; institutionalize mission engineering and analysis; and incorporate cyber warfare engineering in our naval systems. McLaughlin, commissioned as a Navy officer in 1980, held a variety of positions on active duty and as a reservist before he retired as a captain. In 2004, McLaughlin was appointed to the Senior Executive Service. Prior to his NSWCDD technical director position, McLaughlin served as NSWC Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division technical director,
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may 2016 • THE SOURCE
NSWC Dahlgren Division Deputy Technical Director Burnett retires DAHLGREN, Va. — Dohn Burnett, Deputy Technical Director for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, retired after 34 years of civil service during a ceremony in Dahlgren in March. During his tenure, Burnett led the planning and execution of the command’s technical mission of research, development, test, and evaluation of surface naval warfighting systems. He directed a workforce of 3,700 employees and oversaw annual operations of $1.5 billion. “This is a really exciting time for the Navy and for Dahlgren,” said Burnett, citing innovative technologies developed at the command such as hypervelocity projectiles, lasers, railgun, and cyber engineering. “We have a lot of revolutionary work going on right now.” Burnett’s insight and involvement spanned the command’s research, development, test, evaluation, analysis, systems engineering, and integration efforts for complex naval combat, systems. The technological work has been evolving – and the range of technical programs increasing – at Dahlgren over the last century with the changing missions of the warfighter and advances in technology. “In addition to the revolutionary work there’s a great deal of evolutionary work,” said Burnett, referring to initiatives in radars, missiles, and command and control systems in addition to new methodologies in combat systems engineering and new capabilities through integration of combat systems. Burnett and NSWCDD leadership anticipate that the command’s unique set of capabilities in warfare systems development and integration will lead the Navy’s efforts to develop new naval and joint warfare systems. Burnett’s leadership was crucial to realigning NSWCDD to make sure its organizational construct was aligned to the command’s strategy. He also impacted the development of the command’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, charting the course for NSWCDD to remain the Navy’s leader in warfare systems research, development, and integration. “We’re still implementing our new strategic plan,” said Burnett, who previously served as the NSWCDD Warfare Systems Department head, leading Navy surface combat system development and support efforts. “I think we’ve made really good progress aligning the organization to that plan.” The strategic plan placed special emphasis on technical opportunities in emerging warfare or “thrust” areas aligned with NSWCDD’s core
U.S. Navy photo
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Commanding Officer Capt. Brian Durant presents the Dahlgren Award to NSWCDD Deputy Technical Director Dohn Burnett for 34 years of continuous service in March 2016. Burnett - who was also awarded the Navy Superior Civilian Service Medal at his retirement ceremony – considers leadership development as one of the top highlights of his civil service career. “Their (NSWCDD leaders at all levels) work is going to continue after the systems I helped develop are gone,” said Burnett. “I made it a priority in my career to work on developing leaders and, in turn, they will develop leaders. That legacy will live on and Dahlgren will continue to do great work because it has good leaders.” capability to deliver integrated solutions through innovation and systems engineering. The thrust areas – electric weapons design, development and integration; mission engineering and analysis; and cyber warfare engineering in naval systems – build off the command’s science and engineering foundation, and are envisioned to become an integral part of the organization's core technical expertise in the future. “Most people understand that we have these thrust areas and now we’ve been able to modify our processes so that investments and other resource decisions are based on criteria in that plan,” said Burnett. “Implementing the plan and using it to guide our decisions, especially funding investments and hiring, is really important.” Burnett recounted the top three highlights of his civil service career. • “Developing leaders at all levels who will be here long after I’m gone – their work is going to continue after the systems I helped develop are gone. I made it a priority in my career to work on developing leaders and, in turn, they will develop leaders. That legacy will live on and Dahlgren will continue to do great work because it has good leaders.”
• “The work I’ve done over the years on Aegis, and the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. I was fortunate to help build Aegis, deploy it in the Fleet, and have a role in what it’s become today and for the foreseeable future. It’s the backbone of the surface Navy, and will continue to be for a long time. I had a small part to play in its development and I’m proud of that. Aegis is the best warfighting system ever developed and deployed.” • “Dahlgren is stronger than when I got here. It was a great organization when I got here, and I think we have improved it over the 34 years to where it’s even stronger now. Dahlgren is involved in everything big going on in the surface Navy. Virtually every sponsor we have wants more Dahlgren involvement. Our workforce – scientists and engineers and support workforce – are second to none. I feel really good about where Dahlgren is. I had a small part to play in that, and I’m proud of that.” Prior to his NSWCDD deputy technical director and department head positions, Burnett served as the division head for the command’s Systems Certification and Fleet Operations Division where he had management oversight of sys-
NSWC Dahlgren testing may produce loud noise May 16-19
Access to the Potomac River Middle Danger Zone to be restricted during testing DAHLGREN, Va. - The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) will conduct testing Monday through Thursday, May 16-19, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. that may produce loud noise in communities surrounding Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. Access to the Potomac River Middle Danger Zone - as described in 33 CFR 334.230 - will be restricted during testing. To preview NSWC Dahlgren's range schedule, call the NSWC Dahlgren Range and Weapons Testing toll free hotline: 877-845-5656 or visit the Potomac River Test Range website: http://www.navsea. navy.mil/Home/WarfareCenters/NSWCDahlgren/NSWCDDRangeSchedule.aspx. For more information on NSWC Dahlgren's range schedule, contact the Naval Support Activity South Potomac Public Affairs Office, (540) 653-8153.
tem certification and configuration management; combat system test and evaluation; shipboard computer program installations and control; and direct Fleet support. Burnett also served as the pro-
gram manager for the NSWCDD Sly Fox leadership development program and he was the deputy program manager for the DD-21 Zumwalt-class Land Attack Destroyer Program.
THE SOURCE • May 2016
JWAC Executive Director Retires By Steven Moore, JWAC Public Affairs Mr. Robert A. Tolhurst, Executive Director for the Joint Warfare Analysis Center since August 2004, retired during a ceremony in Dahlgren on March 31. During his tenure, Tolhurst oversaw the command’s research, science, and engineering programs, managed its 400 employees, and worked closely with other senior executives in defense intelligence agencies to provide support to combatant commands. “It’s great to salute Bob Tolhurst with 38 years of faithful service to our nation,” U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, said while speaking to family, friends, and employees during the ceremony. “Behind the successes (of JWAC) has been the stalwart leadership of Bob Tolhurst. Bob has grown and forged the organization into what it is today. I could not have been more thankful for his wisdom and sage advice.” Tolhurst was JWAC’s third executive director since the command was formed in 1994. Previously, he had also been the command’s first commanding officer from 1994 to 1995, which culminated his 26-year career with the U.S. Navy. “I am getting out of the fight today and that’s hard to do,” Tolhurst said. “We have saved so many lives that will never even know what we did. You guys always come through every single time. As I leave today, JWAC is in great hands.” Between his two stints at JWAC, Tolhurst worked as a senior manager for Raytheon Systems Inc. in Crystal City from 1995 to 2004. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1969 as an ensign, and went on to fly 188 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He retired as a captain and now lives in King George, Virginia. Tolhurst said his only immediate future plans involve travel with his wife, Pixie, and possibly moving back to Virginia Beach where he spent so much of his naval career.
Tolhurst
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Dahlgren training command selects human resources liaison as Civilian of the Quarter Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems
DAHLGREN, Va. – The Center for Surface Combat Systems announced its Civilian of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2016 on May 6. “I am very excited to receive this award,” said human resources liaison Ms. Angela Jones. Jones has been part of the CSCS community for eight years. “I first started with CSCS as a contractor in 2008 and then became a federal employee in 2010 and began my career in the N1 department,” she explained. “I was the administrative officer assistant and in April 2015, I became the human resources liaison.” As the human resource liaison, she provides staffing and placement services and human resources advice and services to CSCS headquarters and 14 learning sites. "In addition, as the training officer, I manage all professional training and the college degree program,” she added. Jones’ supervisor, Mr. Scott Russell, director for Manpower / Human Resources, nominated her for the award. “Angela continues to impress as she grows in knowledge and skill,” Russell explained. “Her efforts over the last two years have been
“Angela continues to impress as she grows in knowledge and skill. Her efforts over the last two years have been significant to the success of CSCS. She is a rising star and becoming tomorrow’s top leadership.” Scott Russell, director for Manpower / Human Resources significant to the success of CSCS. She is a rising star and becoming tomorrow's top leadership." Each day, Jones looks forward to coming to work and welcomes the challenges she faces on a daily basis. “I love that my job challenges me in different ways and I am very
Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce 65th Annual Potomac River Festival
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lucky to love the people I work with,” she said. “I am very thankful to have mentors and leaders who have taught and provided me a wealth of knowledge. They have helped me mature in my career and I am looking forward to what my future holds. Furthermore, I am fortunate to work for such a great organization whose mission is essential to our nation. It is a wonderful feeling to come to work knowing that I am playing a role
in training sailors who will enter the fleet prepared to execute their duties and defend our waters.” CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites and provides nearly 70,000 hours of curriculum for 700 courses a year to more than 40,000 sailors. CSCS delivers specialized training for officer and enlisted sailors
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required to tactically operate, maintain, and employ shipboard and shore-based weapons, sensors, and command and control systems used in today's navy. For information on the Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/ centers/cscs/. Visit CSCS on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Surface-CombatSystems/1480366868885239?re f=hl.
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