April 2019
THE FORCE BEHIND THE FLEET
Strategic Campaign Plan Goal Two
Be the Undisputed Technical Expert Throughout the Littoral Battlespace
NSWC Panama City Division
Ensuring Warfighting Dominance in the Littoral Battlespace
About the Publication The Coastal Compass is published monthly by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) and is an authorized medium for news of general interest about employees of NSWC PCD and their work.
THE FORCE BEHIND THE FLEET
April 2019 | Vol. 7 Issue 4
The Coastal Compass’ content is provided and prepared by the NSWC PCD Office of Public and Congressional Affairs (Code 1031). For details about submissions, contact: Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division 850-230-7400 110 Vernon Avenue | Panama City, Florida 32407 W_PNMA_NSWCPCD_PAO@navy.mil To contact NSWC PCD’s Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline call: 850-234-4462.
Capt. Aaron S. Peters, USN Edwin A. Stewart (SES) Commanding Officer
Technical Director
On the Cover
Editorial Staff Production Managers
Don McCall Head, Public and Congressional Affairs Division (103) Head, Visual Information Branch (1032) Head, Technical Information Library (1033)
Ashley Conner Public Affairs Officer Head, Communication and Community Relations Branch (1031)
Managing Editor
Dan Broadstreet, Public Affairs Specialist
Staff
Katherine Mapp, Public Affairs Specialist Susan H. Lawson, Public Affairs Specialist
Design
Haley Walker, Graphic Designer Janice Grant, Print Specialist
Photography
Ron Newsome, Photographer Anthony Powers, Photographer Eddie Green, Photographer 2 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
The April 2019 Coastal Compass continues to focus on the Strategic Campaign Plan. This month, we focus on the second objective in the Strategic Plan Campaign: Be the Undisputed Technical Expert Throughout the Littoral Battlespace. Cover photos: U.S. Navy courtesy photos. Back cover: Research Physiologist Lt. Travis Doggett monitors retinal tracking of the aircrew during flight in the Fluctuating Altitude Simulation Technology system Jan. 14, 2019, at Navy Experimental Diving Unit. The system was developed and built by Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division. U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers.
Featured
GOAL 2
SPOTLIGHT
08
10
Read about the Strategic Campaign Plan Goal #2, Be the Undisputed Read how NSWC PCD is implementing these goals throughout this Technical Expert Throughout the Littoral Battlespace (beginning on issue. For example, the Fluctuating Altitude Simulation Technology page 6), and the Goal #2 Spotlight on page 8. team on page 10.
In This Issue
View from the Bridge
4
Feature: Strategic Campaign Plan About Goal #2 Goal #2 Spotlight
Tech Spotlight
6
7 8
10
Navy Develops and Tests Rapid Pressure Fluctuation Chamber to Study Psychological Events 10 NSWC Panama City Division Team Receives 12 Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer 12
Workforce Connection
16
Welcome Aboard 16 Awards 16
Connect With Us!
Calendar of Events High Grade Promotions People of Panama City
16 17 18
Features 19 Warfare Centers Collaborate to Improve Business Processes Superhero Feature Pearl Harbor Minesweeper Ship Bell Arrives at NSWC Panama City Division
19 20 21
Lifestyle
22
STEM Outreach 22 Safety 23
NSWC PCD Wiki Homepage
iNFUSION | Tag your posts with #NSWCPCD https://fusion.navsea.navy.mil
facebook.com/nswcpcd
youtube.com/nswcpcdpao
W_PNMA_NSWCPCD_PAO@navy.mil
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https://wiki.navsea.navy.mil/display/NSWCPC/ Naval+Surface+Warfare+Center+Panama+City+Division
https://www.linkedin.com/company/naval-surface-warfare-center-panama-city-division/ April 2019 | 3
NSWC PCD Team,
“
To accomplish this goal, we must harness our in-house technical leadership and expertise, while also fostering our What you do on a daily basis supports the National Defense strategic partnerships. This month marks six months since Hurricane Michael ripped through the Panhandle and forever changed our lives and our landscape. Many of your homes are in need of repair and many of your office spaces are in similar condition. Despite all this, you continue to emulate what it means to be the undisputed technical experts throughout the littoral battlespace.
Capt. Aaron S. Peters Commanding Officer NSWC PCD
“
What you do helps meet today's urgent operational needs, while ensuring decisive overmatch for the force of the future. Artificial intelligence and big data will allow smarter decisions, and much of that comes from the work you do every day.
“
– Capt. Aaron S. Peters Commanding Officer
Strategy, Chief of Naval Operation’s Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority 2.0, and the Naval Sea Systems Command Campaign Plan to Expand the Advantage 2.0. Our command’s greatest asset is its people – people are the foundation of the Navy. Our ability to design and develop innovative solutions to challenging problems helps us rapidly deliver solutions to ensure warfighting dominance.
“
– Capt. Aaron S. Peters Commanding Officer
At NSWC Panama City Division, we provide foundational capabilities for the warfighter, and I am excited that a few of you will have the opportunity to show off your technical expertise and projects at the Department of Defense Lab Day at the end of the month. Also this month, our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Outreach team will be inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers at the Invention Convention April 13 at the Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University Panama City Campuses. If we are to remain the most technologically sophisticated country in the world, it is your involvement in events like these that will help us to achieve it.
STEM events at NSWC PCD
Throughout the April 2019 edition of the Coastal Compass, we will learn more about the FY19-23 Strategic Campaign Plan Goal #2 to “Be the undisputed technical expert throughout the littoral battlespace.” To accomplish this goal, we must harness our in-house technical leadership and expertise, while also fostering our strategic partnerships. None of that can be accomplished SUCCESS STATES without a clear vision for the future of the command. I encourage you to join the conversation and follow along on our Strategic Campaign Plan Wiki page as we embark on this strategic journey to Ensure Warfighting Dominance in the Littoral Battlespace. https://wiki.navsea.navy.mil/display/pcdsp
Be the Undisputed Technical Expert Throughout the Littoral Battlespace Successful completion of this goal will be accomplished when NSWC PCD is recognized as the technical leader in all of our mission areas throughout the entire Littoral Battlespace, from undersea to space. Our reputation for innovation and excellence will be backed by our personnel and facilities. We anticipate the future needs and drive the future Naval capabilities within the Littoral Battlespace. We are the organization the fleet trusts for innovative and rapid solutions to solve their needs both current and future.
14 14
NSWC PCD Strategic Campaign Plan Booklet
4 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
INFORMATION SECURITY PROGRAM
WHAT IS CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION (CUI)?
1
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Is:
Unclassified information meeting standards for safeguarding and dissemination controls pursuant to law, regulations, and government-wide policies under Executive Order 13556, which: • Establishes a uniform program for designation of information meeting the standards for CUI • Uses standardized markings • Ensures information is only controlled when needed
2
CUI is not a new classification level below Confidential
• It is a category of information managed by a program that emphasizes the openness and uniformity of government-wide practices
3
CUI is not an attempt to:
• Circumvent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other legal rights of Americans to obtain official government information • Restrain competition • Impede timeliness, accuracy, or dissemination of information • Conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error • Prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or an agency • Delay/prevent public release of information not requiring safeguarding or dissemination controls
4
Do not designate CUI to prevent/ avoid proper classification April 2019 | 5
Strategic Campaign Plan
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
Strategic Campaign Plan FY19 - FY23 Ensuring Warfighting Dominance in the Littoral Battlespace
6 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
Strategic Campaign Plan
GOAL 2 Be the Undisputed Technical Expert Throughout the Littoral Battlespace Successful completion of this goal will be accomplished when NSWC PCD is recognized as the technical leader in all of our mission areas throughout the entire Littoral Battlespace, from undersea to space. Our reputation for innovation and excellence will be backed by our personnel and facilities. We anticipate the future needs and drive the future Naval capabilities within the Littoral Battlespace. We are the organization the fleet trusts for innovative and rapid solutions to solve their needs both current and future.
Establish a Deep Technical Bench • Shape the Workforce for the Future • Optimize and Balance Technical Support across the Organization
Shape Future Littoral Battlespace Operations • Drive Littoral Battlespace Mission Area Analysis • Shape the Long Term Vision for the Littoral Battlespace • Develop Credible Technical Solutions for the Littoral Battlespace
Be Recognized Internationally as the Technical Leader • Expand Recognition as the Technical Leaders in the Littoral Battlespace • Strengthen and Expand Influence across the Naval Research and Development Enterprise and Fleet
April 2019 | 7
Strategic Campaign Plan
GOAL 2
SPOTLIGHT
Be the Undisputed Technical Expert Throughout the Littoral Battlespace
Goal Champion Dr. Peter Adair (SL) 8 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
Goal 2 Lead Dr. Joe Lopes
Goal 2 Objective Leads
1. Establish a Deep Technical Bench Objective Lead Kim Ten Broeck
2. Shape Future Littoral Battlespace Operations
Objective Lead Scott Burleson
3. Be Recognized Internationally as the Technical Leader
Objective Lead Dr. Keith Aliberti
Strategic Campaign Plan
In order to provide tomorrow’s warfighter with an overwhelming advantage, one must understand that environment, be able to predict future enemy threats, and develop integrated technical solutions to dominate the adversary.
Navy doctrine defines the littorals as that portion of the world’s land masses adjacent to the ocean within direct control of and vulnerable to the striking power of sea-based forces. Today, the range of modern sensors and weapons extends hundreds of miles both seaward and landward, blurring the distinction between operations at sea and on land and necessitates integrated littoral battlespace solutions. In order to provide tomorrow’s warfighter with an overwhelming advantage, one must understand that environment, be able to predict future enemy threats, and develop integrated technical solutions to dominate and defeat any adversary. Hiring and developing a workforce, which will create and deliver innovative ideas and solutions that will shape future warfighting is key. In today’s environment, it is not sufficient to only have expertise in a single domain. We will provide integrated materiel and non-materiel solutions that work seamlessly together across all domains, from seabed to space enabling joint and allied force operations. To enable that, we will build a workforce that has the breadth and depth of requisite technical competencies to provide those solutions. We will collaborate and partner with the Naval Research and Development Enterprise community to bring together the requisite knowledge base and technology development to provide integrated warfighting capabilities. We will be leaders in future technology development, including the areas of unmanned systems, automation, and advanced sensors, which will result in increasing our competitive advantage against global adversaries. The best way to be recognized as the technical leaders in the littoral battlespace is to continue to rapidly deliver innovative, cost effective solutions to the warfighter. We will participate in the right venues and discussions to communicate our understanding of the joint operational battlespace and advocate for viable doctrinal and technical solutions. We will empower our workforce to be technically assertive and speak truth to power providing leadership with the information necessary to inform and guide critical decision processes.
In doing this, we will be the Undisputed Technical Expert Throughout the Littoral Battlespace. April 2019 | 9
Navy Develops and Tests
Rapid Pressure Fluctuation Chamber to Study Psychological Events By Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD Public Affairs
PANAMA CITY, Florida – Research Physiologist Lt. Travis Doggett, center, directs aircrew via radio during simulated flight in the Fluctuating Altitude Simulation Technology system Jan. 14, 2019, at Navy Experimental Diving Unit. The system was developed and built by Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division. U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers
10 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
PANAMA CITY, Florida - A Navy team is developing a solution for detecting symptoms associated with rapid pressure fluctuations in military jets, a phenomenon associated with physiological events (PE) in the E/A-18G and F/A-18 weapon systems. Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s (NSWC PCD) Fluctuating Altitude Simulation Technology (FAST) team recently delivered an aircraft cabin simulator system to the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) for their use conducting human subject research. NSWC PCD engineers designed and fabricated the FAST system to replicate the rapid cockpit pressure fluctuations observed in the Navy’s jet aircraft. “The purpose of the FAST system is to characterize the symptoms associated with rapid pressure fluctuation, and determine what symptoms may be most closely associated with PE,” said Navy Research Psychologist Lt. Jenna Jewell. “This information allows us to conduct future research that can be more targeted, including focusing on specific symptoms and adding in factors present in the cockpit.” Aircrews experience PEs when there is both a known or suspected aircraft or aircrew systems malfunction and a loss in performance related to insufficient oxygen delivery, alterations in breathing dynamics, unexpected pressure phenomenon, or other human factors. Research “flights” were conducted at NEDU from November 2018 to January 2019 to simulate the rapid cabin pressure fluctuations aviators experience during flights in a controlled environment. This allowed medical researchers to investigate whether there are physiological or neurocognitive impacts due solely to the pressure fluctuations. The team began with a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) Double Occupancy Altitude Chamber (DOAC) to simulate the cockpit environment and modified the features to meet operational objectives, according to Brian Toole, NSWC PCD FAST project manager. “The NSWC PCD FAST team designed and assembled the FAST system in-house,” said Toole. “NSWC PCD brought the concept to reality by starting with the COTS DOAC and installing our own control system, developing algorithms, and programming the NSWC PCD designed chamber software to meet mission requirements.” According to NEDU Research Physiologist Lt. Travis Doggett, the FAST study is moving the Navy one step closer to solving critical safety concerns. “This study is the first-of-its-kind human subject research investigating PEs plaguing Naval Aviators by replicating the cabin pressure fluctuations observed in the Fleet. It is also the first-ever study to investigate and identify the physiological responses and symptomology associated with rapid cabin pressure fluctuations at altitude,” said Doggett. “The FAST system, coupled with the manned testing, will provide Navy leadership vital information needed to help solve the Chief of Naval Operations number one aviation safety concern – impacting the Navy’s ability to operate safely in the airspace of its choosing, without physiological hindrance,” Doggett added.
The NSWC PCD FAST team designed and assembled the FAST system in-house. NSWC PCD brought the concept to reality. – Brian Toole Fluctuating Altitude Simulation Technology Project Manager
HOW IT WORKS
Before simulated flight, participants undergo an initial general medical evaluation to determine inner ear function, retinal tracking, and a neurocognitive exam. Upon completion, participants enter the FAST chamber and fly one of three predetermined flight patterns. During the flight, participants’ vital statistics are tracked constantly and a Doppler ultrasound test is conducted at four different occasions to determine if venous gas bubbles are present in each participant’s heart. In addition, retinal function is tested mid-flight. Upon completion of the flight, participants undergo the same pre-flight testing to determine if there are any changes in physiological or neurocognitive performance as a result of the rapid pressure fluctuations experienced during simulated flight. NSWC PCD’s FAST team used their life support expertise to meet this urgent need, rapidly developing the technology by pursuing parallel paths and efficient use of existing assets. The FAST team went from refining conceptual requirements in November 2017 to delivering a fully functional system to NEDU in May 2018. “Our team at NEDU knew what we wanted to accomplish at the end. We had an idea of the question we wanted to answer, but did not have anything in terms of how to actually make it happen,” said Jewell. “The partnership between NEDU and NSWC PCD is how we got to a solution. For all of this to come to fruition within 14 months of beginning, and now we have a new system that NAVAIR is going to continue relying on to use in the future, is huge for us.” The FAST cabin is one key step in identifying, mitigating and eliminating environmental factors causing PEs during military aircraft flights. This study is only the first of multiple steps. The next phases include adding additional factors to determine how pressure fluctuations can affect aircrew.
April 2019 | 11
NSWC Panama City Division Team Receives Award for Excellence in
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER By Katherine Mapp NSWC PCD Public Affairs U.S. Navy photos by Eddie Green 12 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
The LED Air Warning System (LAWS) team from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), in collaboration with local academia and an industry partner, has been selected by the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) to receive one of its highest honors – a 2019 Excellence in Technology Transfer (T2) Award. First Responder Public Safety Divers (PSD) often conduct dive missions in environments characterized by zero visibility. These poor visibility conditions make it virtually impossible to read air pressure gauges, even with auxiliary illumination, resulting in divers being unable to effectively monitor their remaining air supply during missions. LAWS has changed the game for PSD by providing a clear, visual display of a diver’s air pressure, even in zero visibility conditions, over the duration of a dive.
It is a great feeling for our team to receive this award. The award itself not only compensates for the team's hard work, but also recognizes the team's dedication to produce a great prototype. It is definitely a team effort and could not have been completed by one person. – Tien Le Mechanical Engineer, NSWC PCD
I am grateful to learn that the LAWS technology team was selected to receive a FLC award," said Peters. "The fact that this system can be used not only by the Warfighter, as well as first responser public safety divers, is a home run for everyone involved. – Capt. Aaron S. Peters Commanding Officer, NSWC PCD "I am grateful to learn that the LAWS technology team was selected to receive a FLC award," said Peters. "The fact that this system can be used not only by the warfighter, as well as first responder public safety diving, is a homerun for everyone involved." NSWC PCD mechanical engineer Tien Le said he is gratified with the work he and his team have done through collaboration. “It is a great feeling for our team to receive this award. The award recognizes the team's dedication to produce a great prototype. It is definitely a team effort and could not have been completed by one person,” said Le. “Everyone did a fantastic job on research and development, and the communication between engineers couldn't have been better.” Dennis Gallagher, NSWC PCD LAWS project manager and office of research and technology applications T2 manager, said the LAWS project struck the T2 goldmine.
Brian Wentworth, NSWC PCD electronics engineer, said the best part of working on the LAWS project is fostering partnerships while rapidly delivering solutions to PSD.
“Our partnerships with Florida State University Panama City and Interspiro AB are collaborative, creative, and accelerate development,” said Gallagher. “As one team, we hit all of the T2 marks.”
“It is a privilege to work on this project because we are working cooperatively with an industry partner to ensure the LAWS design matches the requirements and needs of PSD,” said Wentworth. “I am honored to be recognized by the FLC as a team that is dedicated to designing technology that adds capability improvements for the first responder community.”
Gallagher said the LAWS project directly supports NSWC PCD’s vision of “Ensuring Warfighting Dominance in the Littoral Battlespace” as the technology applies to military diving, public safety, first responder, police, and firefighters – all groups operating in the littoral battlespace. NSWC PCD Commanding Officer Capt. Aaron Peters said he is proud of the team for receiving this prestigious achievement.
From among the 300 plus Federal laboratories supported by the FLC, the Excellence in T2 Awards are presented annually to laboratories that have accomplished outstanding work in the process of transferring federally developed technology. The team will be recognized for their hard work and dedication in promoting T2 during an award ceremony at the FLC National Meeting at the end of April 2019.
It is a privilege to work on this project because we are working cooperatively with industry partners to ensure the LAWS design matches the requests and needs of PSD. I am honored to be recognized by the FLC as a team that is dedicated in designing technology that adds capability Improvements for the first responder community. – Brian Wentworth Electronics Engineer, NSWC PCD
April 2019 | 13
Three teams. One winner.
DIRECTOR’S CUP May 22, 2019 #NSWCPCDDirectorsCup
14 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
SAILORS
of the
QUARTER
Sailor of the Quarter
Junior Sailor of the Quarter
Blake Flohre
Andrew Carstarphen
Navy Diver First Class Diving and Salvage Warfare Specialist
Navy Diver Second Class Diving Salvage Warfare Specialist
PANAMA CITY, Florida – Commanding Officer Capt. Aaron Peters of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division selected Navy Diver First Class, Diving And Salvage Warfare Specialist Blake M. Flohre as Sailor of the Quarter, First Quarter 2019.
PANAMA CITY, Florida – Commanding Officer Capt. Aaron Peters of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division selected Navy Diver Second Class, Diving Salvage Warfare Specialist Andrew M. Carstarphen as Junior Sailor of the Quarter, First Quarter 2019.
Petty Officer Flohre’s exceptional motivation and performance as diving supervisor were displayed as he logged over 23 dives totaling 12 hours 45 minutes of incident-free bottom time, while supporting 640 man hours during Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation projects to include, Clandestine Delivery Mine, Polymer Kelp, Advanced Undersea Weapons System, Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and the U.S. Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Delivery Vehicle (SDV) testing.
Petty Officer Carstarphen’s exceptional motivation and performance as a Second Class Diver were displayed as he consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and efficient performance, while conducting 16 incidentfree dives and 20 surface-swim evolutions supporting Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation projects to include Sea Fighter, Polymer Kelp, Clandestine Delivery Mine, Knifefish, and Quick-strike.
His actions directly ensured that over $33M worth of diving life support systems, SDV life support equipment, MK-16 rebreathers, and ancillary gear remained operational and mission ready to be delivered to the fleet at all times.
In addition, he was directly responsible for the requisition, acquisition, and custody of all systems and parts necessary to maintain the Dive Locker’s operational status, which included $2.5M worth of diving life support systems and ancillary gear.
THE
PIER
PIER, the People’s Integrated Essential Resource, is a webenabled one-stop shop of categorized links to information pertinent to NAVSEA. Regardless of where you work across the NAVSEA Enterprise, the PIER has something for you.
https://wiki.navsea.navy.mil/display/PIER
NAVIGATE TO THE PIER, WHERE INFORMATION IS CLEAR. April 2019 | 15
Workforce Connection
Welcome ABOARD
Calendar of
EVENTS APRIL
5
U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green
CODE A
CODE E CODE X CODE 10
Christopher Buglino Danielle Bingham Adam Humble Jeffrey Tweedie Francisco Vazquez Rivera Cortney Barber Candra Cebula Deborah Garvin
A41 A33 A14 A14 A32 E50 E53 E30
Gustavo Miranda Lopez
X21
Karen Foster Edward Holloway
10B1 104
Civilian
LENGTH OF SERVICE
45 40 35 25 20
James Valentine, Jr.
Jack Lloyd, Jr.
Jimmie Hamilton Michael McCants Patricia Giardina
15 10 05
Robert Conner John Stitt, Jr. Lisa Woods Sutton Matthew Garner Chiyan Ng Dorothy Pitre Anthony Waterman John Parry Nichole Kidd Brenda Thiede Franklin Castle Michael Campbell Robert Millyard
Robert Coffey Michael Barrenechea UPCOMING AWARDS APRIL 2019 Richard Childress • League Of United Latin American Citizens Excellence In Service Award Justin Pridgen • Women Of Color Tech Professional & Academia Awards • Procurement Round Table Elmer B. Staats Contracting Professional Excellence Award • Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference
16 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
10 10 13 13 19 21 24 26
Month of the Military Child/Sexual Assault Prevention/Child Abuse Prevention Galley Special Meal Day
MWR Travel Fair
Time: 10:30 a.m. –1 p.m. Location: MWR Gym For more information, contact 850-234-4188
Retiree/Veterans Galley Lunch
Invention Convention
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Florida State University Panama City and Gulf Coast State College gulfcoast.edu/inventionconvention/
Coach Post 10k/5k Run 2019
St. Andrews State Park More info: www.ccs-pc.net/coach-post-run/
Earth Day
Special Galley Meal Day
Easter Sunday
Seabreeze Jazz Festival Location: Pier Park
SpringJam
April 26-27 Location M.B. Miller Pier For more information, visit sandjamfest.com
FIAR
Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness
Every step of the way, people every day throughout the U.S. Navy are involved in the data that is produced, entered into systems, reported on, and used to make the decisions that enable the U.S. Navy to achieve its mission.
Highest Impact to Financial Reporting
(For example, modernize and consolidate into Navy ERP, reengineer procure to pay, transition to Treasury operations) • • • •
Consolidate accounting systems into One-Navy ERP Eliminate legacy systems Upgrade Navy ERP software Transition to shared services for payments and collections
HIGH-GRADE
Audits create budgetary reforms and reinvest savings to increase readiness!
&SUPERVISORY
PROMOTIONS Dr. James "Tory" Cobb (ST)
Senior Technologist (ST) for Advanced Signal Processing and Automation in Mine Warfare (MIW) As the new Senior Technologist (ST) for Advanced Signal Processing and Automation in Mine Warfare, Dr. Cobb leads and conducts high-level basic and applied research to bring advanced automation and machine learning technology to the warfighter. As a recognized technical expert, he collaborates with Naval Sea Systems Command and Office of Naval Research senior leadership to form and promote new Research and Development (R&D) plans and proposals that advance naval capability. As a senior technical consultant, he advises R&D transition sponsors, Program Executive Offices, and Fleet leadership on the feasibility, payoff, and risk of new automation and processing technology.
Daniel Kucik (SSTM)
Distinguished Engineer for Mine Warfare Unmanned Systems As the new Distinguished Engineer for Mine Warfare Unmanned Systems, Kucik serves as a Naval technical expert in the Science and Technology (S&T) development of unmanned systems technologies relevant to the full spectrum of littoral warfare systems. Additionally, he will also be responsible for identifying critical unmanned systems S&T needs and development of technology attainment strategies to address evolving threats affecting the full range of the Division's missions in the littorals.
Brandt Weilbacher
Property Management Division Head, Corporate Operations Department Code 107 As the new Property Management Division Head, Weilbacher will be responsible for the management of all Operating Materials and Supplies, General Equipment, and Procurement Services for Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division.
John Link
Expeditionary and Maritime Systems Deputy Department Head E Department The Expeditionary and Maritime Systems Department manages the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division's future in Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence; asymmetric and expeditionary warfare. Link provides support to the Department Head in all areas of business and technical execution.
April 2019 | 17
People of Panama City Division
&
featuring Cindy Ratliff "Every day I come to work with a smile on my face because I enjoy working with really talented and smart people. As I look around, that’s who we have working here!" – Cindy Ratliff Workforce Development Director
PCD PROFILE
#10
years as a Federal Civil Servant
Degrees • Bachelor of Science dual major in Business Administration and Human Resources Management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. • Master’s Degree in Labor and Human Resources from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) • Senior Professional in Human Resources certification • Project Management Professional certification
Department
What drew you to serve at Panama City?
My family is a military family with many members who have served in the armed services, Army, Marines, Navy, Army Reserves, and Civil Service, I am proud to be a Department of Defense civilian and to do my part to serve the warfighter here at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD.)
What is your position at NSWC PCD?
I am honored to serve as the Workforce Development (WFD) Director. I am privileged to work with a talented team of WFD professionals responsible for the planning, programming, development, integration, and execution of the command's training and professional development programs for the NSWC PCD civilian workforce.
What's the one thing you like most about working at NSWC PCD? Every day I come to work with a smile on my face because I enjoy working with really talented and smart people. As I look around, that’s who we have working here!
What do you like to do in your off time?
Family comes first on my off duty time! Unfortunately, like so many others in our Command, right now my off time is about repairing the home we are buying.
Where is your hometown?
When asked this question, I proudly say the "Midwest." My response is based on the fact that from first grade to my senior year in high school, my family relocated multiple times (nine major cities in six different states). I believe these moves prepared me for being a military spouse.
Workforce Development, Code 1016
U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green
18 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
Warfare Centers Collaborate to Improve Business Processes
PANAMA CITY, Florida — Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Panama City Division’s Expeditionary Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems Branch joined forces with NSWC Crane's Command Control, Communications, Computers, Cybersecurity, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Integration team Mar. 12-13, 2019, in an effort to improve organizational processes in cybersecurity. U.S. Navy photos by Eddie Green
April 13, 2019, 1 - 4 p.m.
Located at Gulf Coast State College and FSU Panama City April 2019 | 19
SUPERHERO FEATURE My advice to new scientists is to gain technical depth and not just jump into project management. Everything we do here is about serving the warfighter.
– Dr. Tory Cobb Distinguished Scientist and Engineer for Advanced Signal Processing and Automation
NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION SCIENTIST TACKLES
NAVY'S TOUGHEST PROBLEMS
PANAMA CITY, Florida – Four years ago, Dr. James “Tory” Cobb was asked to take on a new role that would forever alter the course of his career. “ONR (Office of Naval Research) needed someone to lead the process of transitioning machine learning programs to the Fleet,” said Cobb, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) distinguished scientist and engineer for advanced signal processing and automation. “I didn’t really want to do it. I enjoyed my solitary research. This new position came with increased leadership responsibilities and meant that I would have less time to spend on research I am passionate about.” Despite his reluctance, his new role would be one of the reasons he would go on to win the Dr. David P. Skinner award for sustained contributions to science and the Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers Award for scientific excellence in support of the Navy and Marine Corps. “The successful strides my team and I were able to make had a lot to do with the stars aligning,” he said. “Advanced sensors had matured to a point that the data were reliable and trusted by Navy operators and the Navy’s appetite for artificial intelligence increased.”
By Ashley Conner NSWC PCD Public Affairs This might be considered to some a unique career path for a boy from a small town in Alabama.
Cobb consistently tackled fundamental research problems and made his research relevant to Navy problems.
“I knew I wanted to get out of Anniston, Alabama. I had appointments to West Point and the Coast Guard Academy,” said Cobb. “I liked that the Coast Guard was small and I would get to work on the water.”
“Successful technology transition begins with an evolutionary dialogue with the warfighter to understand what they need to help win wars,” he said. “My team and I have been able to maximize use of data to improve automatic target recognition performance and give our Navy an edge over adversaries.”
Cobb served four years over two tours on U.S. Coast Guard Cutters before transitioning into the Coast Guard Reserve and pursuing a Master’s Degree at Auburn University. “I didn’t think I wanted to work for government again and had accepted a job with IBM, and was moving to Austin, Texas,” he said. “I was at a job fair at Auburn and NSWC PCD offered me a job.” Cobb attributes his success to his first boss and mentor at NSWC PCD. “Gerry Dobeck had an incredibly sharp mind and we could spend hours tackling complicated problems,” said Cobb. “It was because of him that I immersed myself in sea tests, writing software, and pursuing research.”
20 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
Cobb recently accepted his current position as Distinguished Scientist and Engineer for Advanced Signal Processing and Automation and hopes he can be a sliver of what Dobeck was to him when he started. “My advice to new scientists is to gain technical depth and not just jump into project management,” he said. “Everything we do here is about serving the warfighter. I have no misconceptions that this is a great job and we contribute enormous value to our national defense.”
U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers
Pearl Harbor Minesweeper Ship Bell Arrives at NSWC Panama City Division
By Susan H. Lawson, NSWC PCD Public Affairs PANAMA CITY, Florida – The bell from the USS Tern, a Lapwing-class minesweeper, that rescued 47 men and fought fires on the USS West Virginia and USS Arizona for two days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor will soon be on display in the lobby of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). “This bell is an important artifact that represents an important day in Navy history,” said Capt. Aaron Peters, NSWC PCD commanding officer. “It is a connection with history and is a reminder of the bravery of those who were there that day.” Ships bells have a long tradition of varied use to include signaling, keeping time, and sounding alarms. Their functional and ceremonial uses have made them a symbol of considerable significance to the United States Navy.
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This bell is an important artifact that represents an important day in Navy history. It is a connection with history and is a reminder of the bravery of those who were there that day.
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– Capt. Aaron S. Peters Commanding Officer, NSWC PCD
The USS Tern (AM-31) was in the first repair slip at the north end of 1010 Dock when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. Fleet Sailors were notified at 7:53 a.m. of an attack and began to make preparations immediately to get underway. The USS Tern’s gunners opened fire with Lewis machine guns on an incoming enemy plane 12 minutes later, which was seen crashing near the Officers' Club. There was no damage to the USS Tern from the Japanese attack and the ship went on to receive one battle star from World War II. It was decommissioned Nov. 23, 1944, and was struck from the Naval Vessel register on Dec. 5, 1945, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command. The USS Tern’s 92-pound bell, considered to be in good condition and structurally sound, will be on display in the lobby of the NSWC PCD headquarters building once renovations are completed. In addition to the bell, a compass from the USS Exultant and a wheel from the USS Excel will also be on display. U.S. Navy courtesy photos
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STEM Outreach 1
STEMinar
PANAMA CITY, Florida – Patronis Elementary School Robotics League Student operates an underwater robot during Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division's (NSWC PCD) inaugural STEMinar event March 6. The longterm goal for STEM Outreach at NSWC PCD is to make it clear that NSWC PCD is the employer of choice in this area.
U.S. Navy photo by Ron Newsome
1
2 SeaPerch
PENSACOLA, Florida — Students had to complete a “finesse” challenge where the SeaPerch had to open a door, swim through a hoop, and pick up small targets before returning to the surface.
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U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers
LEGO 3 FIRST League
PANAMA CITY, Florida - Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division hosted the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League from Patronis Elementary School for a tour March 6, 2019. During the tour, the students toured the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC.)More info at: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/ U.S. Navy photo by Ron Newsome
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Robotics Club Tour
PANAMA CITY, Florida – The James S. Rickards High School Robotics Club toured Commands aboard Naval Support Activity Panama City Mar. 15, 2019, to include Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, and Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU.) While at NSWC PCD, the group toured the LCAC and learned about unmanned underwater vehicles. U.S. Navy photos by Eddie Green
22 | Coastal Compass | NSWC Panama City Division
3 4
Lifestyle
SAFETY
2019 Mandatory
TRAINING
By Pat Beacom, NSWC Safety Specialist, Contributing Writer
it's
up
to
APR 30
YOU
Personally Identifiable Information Located on TWMS
APR 30
Combating Trafficking in Persons General Awareness Located on NeL
Who is responsible for your safety on the job? Is it the government, the company, your boss, or the other members of the crew? Actually, all of them have a responsibility for your safety. But ultimately, the challenge is yours.
APR 30
Behavioral Warning Signs
NAVSEA Intro to Controlled Unclassified Information Located on TWMS
These behaviors indicate that you’re not taking responsibility for your own safety.
For mandatory training questions or more information on other training courses offered, contact Workforce Development at: NSWCPCD_Workforce_Development@navy.mil or visit https://navsea.navy.deps.mil/wc/surpnma/ Training/SitePages/PCDU.aspx
• Being too tired for the job • Consuming drugs or alcohol at work • Ignoring written safety procedures • Skipping safety meetings • Refusing to wear Personal Protection Equipment • Operating equipment without training • Working too quickly
Taking responsibility for your own safety is a full-time job. This is how to do it:
Workforce Development
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Your work environment can change from one moment to the next with the approach of a vehicle, something falling from overhead, or the presence of a visitor. Stay alert!
• Upgrade your workplace safety training on a regular basis. Take advantage of company training sessions. Review the operator's manual for equipment you use, and company safety documents, such as the emergency plan. • Keep up your first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. Community organizations offer sessions at off-work hours. • Make a commitment to keep learning. Take every opportunity to learn more about your particular trade. Make a continuous effort to keep up with technology. Learn the safety requirements of your job and how to best implement them. Become proficient at finding information. You don't have to know everything – just where to find it. • Talk about safety with your team members. In the break room, at meetings, and in one-on-one conversations, put the focus on safety.
You can do a lot to keep your fellow workers safe, and they can do a lot for you. But in the end, you are responsible for your own safety.
• • • •
Apr. 8-12 Apr. 16-18 Apr. 19 Apr. 30
Advanced Coding for JAVA 7 Habits for Highly Successful People SolidWorks Professional Configuration Management Course 10
To register for classes that are open, visit: http://navsea.navy.deps.mil/wc/supernma/Training/ SitePages/PCDU.aspx For more information, visit the Training page on iNAVSEA! PCD-U Onsite Training or PCD-U Peer Course Training
April 2019 | 23
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
110 Vernon Avenue | Panama City, Florida 32407 (850) 230-7400 Distribution A - Approved for public release.