View from the Bridge By Technical Director Ed Stewart (SES)
D
uring the week of 25 April, PCD will host a training program designed to reach 40-50 of our employees on the subject of Technical Authority. The Captain and I would like to expose
Page 2
the entire technical workforce to this training; but until we are able to do so, I would like to use this month’s View from the Bridge (VFTB) to introduce this important subject to you. Understanding this construct is critical to our success as an organization; so much so that, as depicted in the organization chart below, I wear another “hat” within NAVSEA as the Deputy Warranting Officer for Littoral and Mine Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05M). Why is this “hat” important and what is Technical Authority? How is Technical Authority Implemented? What is our role in Technical Authority? Hopefully, you will understand all of this better after you have read this article, which may entice you to sign up for the training in April. What is technical authority? In simple terms, Technical Authority (TA) provides an independent assessment of engineering processes, products, and risks associated with a program. Technical Authority encompasses the authority, responsibility, and accountability to establish, monitor and approve technical standards, tools, processes, and baselines to ensure the safety, reliability, interoperability and performance of Navy products and systems. The Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command is formally designated technical authority
for surface and undersea platforms and combat systems by the Secretary of the Navy. In turn, COMNAVSEA formally delegates technical authority responsibilities, via the NAVSEA CHENG and Deputy Warranting Officers (DWOs), to Technical Warrant Holders (TWHs) within the NAVSEA organization. Technical Authority is executed within NAVSEA’s Chief Engineer, NAVSEA 05, and is organized into: • Chief Systems Engineers, “blue box DWOs” that employ product aligned TWHs, generally referred to as Ship and System Design Managers (SDMs) who integrate engineering and TA efforts in support of programs; and Technical Domain Managers, “red box DWOs” that employ functional TWHs who provide “deep technical expertise” to appropriate programs. • There is a clear line of authority and accountability for TWHs that is independent of the Program Executive Offices’ programmatic authority for development and acquisition of platforms and systems. PEOs exercise the programmatic authority to directly supervise the management of assigned programs and work with the SYS-
See VFTB, page 3
Coastal Compass - March 2016
VFTB
from page 2
COMs to ensure that technical authority processes are an integral part of their program throughout the entire life cycle. How is Technical Authority implemented? There are three basic components to the technical authority pyramid, as displayed in the graphic: 1. Beginning with the technical warrant holder, the TWH has unimpeded access to the senior technical leadership of NAVSEA, and is only two management layers below the NAVSEA CHENG. This allows for significant risks and issues to be raised and resolved quickly by cutting through the organizational layers of management. 2. The TWH is supported by the next section of the pyramid which includes PCD Engineering Managers (EMs) Engineering Agents, and Lead Engineers (LEs) who assist TWH’s in executing responsibilities of his/her Warrant and performing associated engineering work in support of programs and Fleet; and 3. YOU, the pyramid’s base, which is comprised of PCD Engineers, Scientists, Mathematicians and Technicians, who are the network of Navy’s experts responsible for performing engineering and technical work under the guidance and accountability of the TWHs, EMs and LEs. Technical Warrant Holders are individuals who are recognized technical experts in a particular engineering area or product line. TWHs holders are often viewed as the “go to” people when a decision is required, when design standards or practices are being deviated from, where safety of life at sea is at issue, or impact of mission effectiveness is of concern. TWHs utilize engineering managers to ensure resources are allocated to fill their pyramids at supporting organizations to assess the health of their respective warrant. But, the most critical component of the pyramid is you – the technical experts – that provide the assessment of technical processes, products, and baselines, and serve as the technical foundation from which TWHs measure
and mitigate technical risk in Navy programs to ensure that quality products that meet validated operational capability needs are delivered to the Fleet. What is Our Role in Technical Authority? It is important that everyone at the Division understands our role in Technical Authority. Years ago, a report by the Columbia Commission was published on the subject of technical authority. Simply stated, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board
Coastal Compass - March 2016
concluded that NASA’s dilution of technical authority by excessive delegation and reliance on outside support for making technical decisions ultimately contributed to an inability to make a technically pure decision that was “independent”—in other words, may have been adversely affected by business decisions. According to the literature, this lack of clear technical authority, sense of complacency, and lack of appropriate resources all contributed to decisions made which, at least indirectly, led to the Columbia disaster. Technical Authority is an inherently governmental function that is separate from program management functions. We, as the Navy’s center of excellence for Littoral Warfare and Coastal Defense, are both empowered and expected to provide “independent” technical recommendations and risk assessments to our program managers and TWHs. To reinforce this expectation, SEA 05 formally designates me, PCD’s Technical Director, to also serve as the Deputy Warranting Officer for Littoral and Mine Warfare. This gives us two clear paths, one to the program executive and the other to NAVSEA’s CHENG, in order for us to communicate and mitigate risks and issues. When risks and/or issues you are dealing with cannot be resolved at the lowest level, the Technical Authority pyramid provides the avenue to ensure “technical truth” is clearly communicated up the pyramid to Navy leadership. Our goal must be for every member of this organization to feel empowered and protected to identify risks, issues, and concerns and to be allowed elevate them to the appropriate level. Who are PCDs TWHs? We have three TWHs at PCD that encompass
See VFTB, page 4
Page 3
NAVSEA Warfare Centers Deliver Technical Support to Warfighter By Office of Congressional and Public Affairs NSWC Panama City Division
PANAMA CITY, Florida – Thanks to work conducted by Naval Surface Warfare Centers Panama City and Philadelphia Divisions scientists and engineers who listened to Sailors and Marines, a new tool allows the Fleet operators to use modeling and simulation to save time and money during logistics and planning phases of operational maneuvers. The two Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) echelon IV Centers for Innovation are using 3D scanners to scan the inside of ships of the line to help U.S. Marines determine if vehicles or equipment may be stowed on Navy surface vessels before ever turning the vehicles ignition. More specifically, scientists and engineers conducted Fleet operator focus groups to understand requirements and then collaborated as U.S. Navy Centers for Innovation on a project managed by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). “The project began in fiscal year 2015 in support of the Marine Corps Systems Command, or MCSC,” said Tyson Kackley, project lead. “So what does this mean? This project saved thousands of hours of engineering and logistics efforts related to transportation and manning simply by using Computer Aided Design (CAD) models, science, math and engineering to determine if the vehicle could fit properly inside the ship to allow ingress and egress– before actually attempting to insert the vehicle into the ship.” The Panama City and Philadelphia Warfare Center Division personnel assigned to this project have conducted Fleet workshops to allow the scientists and engineers to receive the necessary user feedback to design tools the Sailors and Marines will want to use. “East coast Marine Corps combat cargo officers and combat cargo assistants were briefed, and provided input to the project team regarding potential desirable uses for the tool as well as areas of the ship to pay special attention to during the scanning process,” said Kackley. “Personnel from Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG-2), Surface Forces Atlantic (SURFLANT) and Pacific (SURFPAC) have also participated.” Kackley, a NSWC Panama City Division employee, said the project’s title, Framework for Assessing Cost and Technology (FACT) Rapid Technology Insertion, builds on the existing capabilities of MCSC’s FACT system. “The FACT system, winner of the Secretary of the Navy’s 2014 Acquisition Innovation Award, enables sophisticated trade studies early in the development of Marine Corps vehicle designs,” he said. “Models relevant to the system in question are interfaced with FACT models for performance, reliability, cost concurrently. FACT allows rapid consideration of hundreds of thousands of design permutations to zero in on the most promising design candidates. This system of systems analysis provides decision makers the impact on cost, reliability and performance in under 90 seconds. In short – the system allows us to use modeling and simulation to assess feasibility before incurring costs using operational assets.” The project used a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) scan of compartments onboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) in May 2015 where U.S. Marine vehicles might be stored. The first step of the project was to acquire validated three-dimensional data of the vehicle spaces onboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) via a LIDAR scanning process conducted by NSWC Philadelphia scientists and engineers. Next, the team inserted a CAD model of a conceptual vehicle inside that surface ship’s scan to determine feasibility of vehicle transport inside the ship. “Post-processing alignment of the scans resulted in a virtual environment in which our users could inspect any vehicle stow area aboard a ship with highly detailed three-dimensional realism. Highly accurate measurements of any visible features are readily accomplished via the point cloud viewing software,” said Kackley. “The FACT run time interface enhancement will add the capability to consider the transportability aspects of the vehicle design,” said Kackley. “In other words, will a proposed design or design modification be able to be transported aboard ship, whether amphibious ships or prepositioning ships.”
Page 4
Subsequent to the ship scan, CAD models of the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) and a conceptual Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) were provided by the Advanced Amphibious Assault Program Management Office at PEO Land Systems in Stafford, Virginia. A lightweight CAD model of the AAV was placed within the ship point cloud, to illustrate how the physical limitations of the ship may impact the AAV maneuver from the ship’s well deck through the ramps, into the various vehicle holds. Considerations, such as vehicle breakover angle when negotiating ramps become important, as does the overall external profile as a vehicle negotiates the tight spaces aboard ship. James Harrison, who is assigned to the NAVSEA (SEA05D) Ship Design office located in Washington D.C., coordinated the shipboard tool component validation. The individual vehicle program offices are providing validation support for the vehicle components of the tool. The Systems Engineering, Interoperability, Architectures and Technology (SIAT) Transportability and Naval Integration office serves as the Accreditation Agent, supporting eventual accreditation of the tool by the Chief Engineer of the Marine Corps. While the accreditation has not occurred yet, a Memorandum of Understanding is already in place to support future Fleet integration. The fiscal year 2016 work is to develop the software, which will add this new capability to FACT. Vehicle designers and Transportability Certification engineers will be able to use FACT to pull up the desired ship and vehicle, and conduct rapid assessments as to where any trouble spots might occur when maneuvering a vehicle aboard ship. “At the end of acquisition process, this new tool will be transitioned to the Fleet and integrated into FACT. To access the system, service members simply access the tool via a web browser from any computer,” said Kackley. “That is the desired end state.” Additionally, Kackley said staffs from HQMC Plans, Policies and Operations (PP&O), HQMC Combat Development and Integration (CD&I), OPNAV N95, NAVSEA PMS 317, as well as MCSC and PEO Land Systems have been engaged as active stakeholders in the project. NSWC PCD, under the Expeditionary Maneuver Technical Program Manager (TPM), is providing project management support, on-site support to MCSC SIAT Modeling and Simulation, as well as software development support. The resource sponsor is the ONR Technology Insertion Program for Savings (TIPS). MCSC SIAT Modeling and Simulation Division manages this project in support of ONR and the two NAVSEA Warfare Centers interface with the Fleet operators and deliver the science behind the capability. ♦
VFTB
from page 3
the following areas: • Mr. David Fonzi: Wet Combat Submersible Systems • Ms. Tracy Nye: Mine Warfare Systems • Mr. Darrell Cole: Unmanned Surface Vehicle Systems You will notice that the scope of these three TWHs does not cover all the mission areas of PCD. Some of our mission systems map to TWHs in other DWO domains (e.g., UUV systems fall under SEA 05W). I am working with SEA 05 leadership to address scope and alignment issues—more to follow on that topic. Speaking truth to power is not always easy, but it is our obligation to provide unbiased technical analysis and to do what is right for the Nation and the Navy. In the following few months, a cadre of volunteers will be developing and promulgating a communication plan to help ensure the free flow technical information in order to meet our goal. The communication plan, once complete, will serve as a resource to help you utilize both the line management and Technical Authority chains of command to bring risks and issues forward to leadership. The CAPT and I want all of you to feel empowered to make use of both of these chains, particularly the immediate access to leadership granted by the streamlined TA framework. Keep charging! ♦
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Inside This Edition
Navy Honors 2016 Women’s History Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
View from the Bridge.......................................2 WCs Deliver Tech Support to Warfighters....3 Navy Honors Women’s History Month..........5 PCD Plans Future Smart Mining....................6 Medal of Honor................................................9 HR: The Award Goes To...............................10 Tricare Dental Plan........................................11 Rear Adm. Lorin Selby Visits PCD...............11 Warfare Center Leadership Visit..................12 Naval Post Grad-School EMBA Program...12 Bicycle Safety: Helmet Protection................13 Jobs: Civilian Expeditionary Warfare...........14 Aircrewman Bowman Retires......................14 Florida State University Career Fair.............15 Navy Ball Fundraiser.....................................15
WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Navy joins the nation in celebrating Women’s History Month throughout March. This year, Navy commands are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.” Through service and leadership, women have been an integral part of both the Navy’s history and its future. “Women throughout our history have endeavored to serve the flag, not looking for special treatment, prestigious awards or financial wealth, but merely for the opportunity to serve the flag itself and the great nation it represents,” said Adm. Michelle Howard, vice chief of naval operations. Today, women comprise 18 percent of the Navy and are indispensable to the national security mission. There are more than 59,000 active duty women serving in the Navy and more than 9,000 female Reservists. Thousands of women have served alongside men in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at sea, and their record of performance has been nothing less than outstanding. Over the last decade, more than 280,000 women have deployed in support of our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Women have shown great courage and sacrifice we simply
could not accomplish the mission without them. The diversity of experiences women have had demonstrates both the challenges and the opportunities women have faced. In March 1917, YNC Loretta Perfectus Walsh became the first female chief petty officer in the United States Navy. In December 1959, Anna Der-Vartanian was promoted to the rank of master chief yeoman, making her the first female master chief in the Navy, as well as the first female E-9 in the entire Armed Services. Fleet Master Chief Jacqueline DiRosa became the first fleet master chief 47 years later. Over 2,600 Navy women participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991. Navy women served on hospital ships, supply ships, fleet oilers, ammunition ships, repair ships and tenders. Female pilots flew helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft. Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, then a rear admiral, was the first woman in the Navy to take command of a Carrier Strike Group, George H.W. Bush, and in 2015 she became the first woman to command a U.S. 3rd Fleet. In 2012, three female officers became the first to receive their submarine “dolphins.” In 2014, Vice Adm. Michelle Howard became the Navy’s first female 4-star admiral and vice chief of naval operations. In January 2016, the armed services opened all military specialties to women, including all combat and Special Forces units. ♦
Women’s History Month March is Women’s History Month a time to celebrate the contribution and honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of women who not only shaped our service but the country as well. Women have fought to be educated, empowered, and treated equal to their male counterparts. After the American Revolution, basic educational opportunities for men and women were created as a safeguard for democracy. That commitment to education laid the foundation for women to make indelible contributions in every field, including national security and defense.
2016 Women’s History Month Proclamation Signing Diversity Council Members from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division joined Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst at the Panama City Beach City Hall to witness the mayor’s signing of the 2016 Women’s History Month Proclamation on March 1, 2016. This marked the beginning of National Women’s History Month and the theme, “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.” The annual signing of the proclamation is a celebration of diversity strengthening our community. Pictured from left to right are: Dr. Wendell Saintval, Christina Pate, Pamela Mittlesteadt, Mayor Gayle Oberst, Candace Cobb, Lisa Kelly and Vatana An. (Photo by Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD/RELEASED)
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Page 5
NSWC PCD Plans Future Smart Mining, Mine Field Architectures By Dave Everhart NSWC PCD MIW Directorate, Advanced Mining Manager
PANAMA CITY, Florida — At the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), scientists and engineers are working hard on an exciting task that could be a game changer for the U.S. Navy: Re-inventing maritime mines for the 21st Century. According to Mine Warfare (MIW) Directorate, Advanced Mining Manager Dave Everhart, this means developing Mine Sensor and Target Detection Technology, Mine Delivery Platform Integration, and Minefield Architecture. “This includes analysis and modeling used to develop target detecting device algorithms and to perform mine effectiveness computations against current military targets of interest,” said Everhart. “This requires research, development, and implementation of new technologies and systems to conduct offensive undersea mine warfare.” According to Everhart, offensive mine warfare includes those people and facilities necessary for successful and innovative research, design, development, analysis, modeling, engineering, test, acquisition, platform integration, as well as Fleet and operational support for safe, effective, high technology mine systems and subsystems including deployment equipment. Undersea mine warfare includes mine technologies that leverage other undersea programs and includes replacement of mine target detection devices with advanced detection capability. “Maritime mines have been in use by our country in every war since the Revolutionary War, and while they have advanced technologically through the years, the basic characteristics of a traditional maritime mine have essentially remained unchanged: planted in one spot, uncontrollable after planted (“dumb”), and providing one effect (“boom”),” said Everhart. In support of the new Department of Defense (DoD) Third Offset Strategy and to help fill the military’s need for asymmetric solutions to counter the growing anti-access/area denial threat, PCD’s mining experts are leading efforts to break the paradigm of how a maritime mine functions and the effect it can provide. “This 21st century mine will take advantage of cutting edge technologies to potentially be mobile, remotely controlled (“smart”), and able to provide multiple effects, including some that are non-destructive,” said Everhart. Everhart said NSWC PCD has been the Navy’s long-time lead in Mine Warfare. PCD maintains the readiness of the Mining technical capability by executing programs that span the entire life cycle: concept formulation; technology development and prototyping; systems engineering and integration; test and evaluation; mission performance validation; systems certification; fleet introduction and training; in-service engineering; and fleet technical support. “PCD’s programs cover both the current technical capability in Mining, as well as advanced future capabilities, such as the new “smart” mine,” said Everhart. Everhart listed the technological capabilities NSWC PCD will need to focus on developing, including the current technical capabilities, in order to empower the U.S. Navy to fucntion with the world’s most advanced smart mining technologies. Current Technical Capability:
Page 6
Mine Warfare Directorate, Advanced Mining Manager Dave Everhart (right), Program Manager for Mines at NSWC PCD, briefs Adm. James Winnefeld, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on mine sensor and target detection technology. (Photo by Ron Newsome, NSWC PCD/RELEASED)
Maritime mines are the original unmanned maritime system that combines a weapon (warhead/bomb/torpedo) with a compact Target Detection Device (TDD) to autonomously engage (detonate) maritime targets that approach within range. “The current inventory consists of a family of air-delivered Quickstrike mines (Mk 62/63/65) and the Submarine Launched Mobile Mine (SLMM) MK 67. Both are explode-in-place bottom mines limited to shallow water operations,” said Everhart. According to Everhart, the core competencies listed below are those that support current readiness: 1. Delivery – The Quickstrike and SLMM must maintain the integration requirements to the aircraft and submarines that deploy them. This includes the storage, loading, and launch-control interfaces. 2. Safety and Arming – Current mines contain explosives and must achieve safe separation from the delivery platform before being able to arm. Safety and arming devices are used to ensure the correct environments are sensed prior to enabling the arming sequence to function. 3. Targeting – The brain of the mine is the TDD, which fuses multiple target influences to form optimum firing solutions. A robust target data collection capability in operational environments is required to develop effective firing algorithms against the many types of maritime targets. 4. Effectiveness – The explosive output of the mine is constant, but lethality is optimized by tailoring the firing algorithm to detonate at the right time and position for each target type, speed and course. 5. Mission Planning and Assessment – The “system” is the field of mines. Optimum effectiveness is based on the field con-
See SMART, page 7
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Coastal Compass Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Panama City, FL, 32407-7001 (850) 235-5990 DSN: 436-5990 Commanding Officer Capt. Phillip Dawson III, USN Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul G. Werring Jr. Division Technical Director Edwin Stewart (SES) Public Affairs Officer Jeffrey Prater Editor and Media Liaison Dan Broadstreet
Public Affairs Specialist Jacqui Barker From the right, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class William Kenney, a native of Owosso, Mich., Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Michael Berger from Mays Landing, N.J., and Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Jarrod Funk, originally from Harrisburg, Pa., and assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, load a MK-65 quick strike mine onto the wing of a P-3C Orion aircraft. VP-8 is on a tri-site, six-month scheduled deployment to both the 7th Fleet areas of responsibility and U.S. Southern Command. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Pedro Rodriguez/RELEASED)
SMART figuration, which is dictated by the expected targets within the environment. Critical simulations and analyses are required to achieve the desired field configuration. “NSWC PCD develops Mine Performance and Mission Effectiveness data for in-service mines against the expected order of battle,” said Everhart. “Specialized tools are used in laboratory and field environments to verify and validate mine actuation and vessel mission-abort damage probability functions. This data is used to maintain an operational database that feeds the tactical decision aid used by Fleet planners.” Demand for Advanced Capabilities: Everhart said mining has historically proven to be one of the most cost-effective ways to persistently disrupt adversary plans and operations; today’s Warfighters are demanding more advanced capabilities such as standoff precision delivery, remote command and control, smarter target discrimination, greater water depths of operations, and self-relocation/extraction. “Advanced mines with mobile homing effectors linked to a field of improved TDDs are needed to cost-effectively cover
from page 6 the whole water column,” said Everhart. “The sensors and effectors will be packaged in common modules that can be delivered by various unmanned vehicles. Some configurations could enable the mines to self-extract after mission completion, significantly reducing the time and cost to sanitize the area.” Future Technical Capabilities: According to Everhart, an improved technical infrastructure is needed to develop the advanced technologies, rapidly integrate cost-effective solutions, and evaluate their worth and utility. Everhart said the technical areas listed below are those that NSWC PCD is advancing to support newly-advanced capabilities: 1. Advanced Delivery – Unmanned air, surface and undersea vehicles are needed to extend the standoff of the delivery platforms. Options for both new and legacy mines are needed. New platform integration and safety issues need to be resolved. 2. Remote Command and Control –
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Public Affairs Specialist Katherine Mapp
Coastal Compass is published monthly by NSWC PCD and is an authorized medium for news of general interest about employees of NSWC PCD and their work. Contents of Coastal Compass are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense or Department of the Navy. Coastal Compass’ content is provided and prepared by the NSWC PCD Office of Corporate Communications. For details about submissions, contact NSWC PCD Corporate Communication Editor Dan Broadstreet at (850) 235-5990.
To contact NSWC PCD’s Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline, call: (850) 234-4462
See SMART, page 8
Page 7
SMART
from page 7
Operators want the ability to query and control mines in the field. A robust architecture is needed to execute the commands and queries in all operational phases. The designs will need to ensure that the Commander’s intent is securely executed. Above and below surface communications using different modalities (acoustic, Efield, magnetic, optic) and gateway nodes will be needed. 3. Intelligent TDDs – Additional target influences/modalities are needed to ensure robust target discrimination. Options for fusing multiple influences and other smart sensors along with using artificial intelligence techniques need to be explored. A thorough and updated target signature database is needed to optimize new performance algorithms. 4. Enhanced Effectiveness – Propelled effectors are needed to cost effectively cover the whole water column. Non-kinetic effectors can disrupt maritime targets (ships, subs, USVs, UUVs, etc.) while enabling more opportunities to engage targets in more situations. A common architecture will enable various effector types (vehicles, weapons, decoys, etc.) to be encapsulated in common modules that can be delivered by manned platform or unmanned vehicles in all water columns. 5. Mission Planning and Assessment – New tools will be needed to plan and assess the new mission capabilities and system configurations (delivery, C2, sensors, effectors). Advanced schemes will be needed for optimizing the configuration of heterogeneous systems with different outcomes. Rapid prototyping and data collection opportunities are needed to validate advanced concepts, develop concept of operations, new platform integrations, and assess mission effectiveness. Everhart said rigorous systems engineering and analysis
Page 8
are being conducted at NSWC PCD to realize the Navy’s future mining capabilities. He emphasized that NSWC PCD recognizes the value that comes with collaboration and the contributions that can be made by the technical capabilities and intellectual capital of the entire Naval Research and Development Establishment (NRD&E) and is proactively engaged across the NRD&E’s organizations to establish innovative solutions. “These solutions will help ensure that tomorrow’s Navy sustains its technological edge and ultimately naval superiority,” said Everhart. ♦
Coastal Compass - March 2016
MEDAL OF HONOR Self-Sacrificing Navy SEAL Awarded Medal of Honor By Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional & Public Affairs
U.S. NAVY PHOTO
WASHINGTON – Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Senior Chief Edward C. Byers Jr. joined the ranks of few before him Feb. 29, 2016 when he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in a special ceremony held at the White House. Byers is the sixth Navy SEAL and first living, active duty member of the Navy to receive this respected award in four decades.
President Barack Obama awarded Byers the prestigious award for his superior gallantry and self-sacrifice as part of a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when he and his team rescued an American civilian in Afghanistan on Dec.8-9, 2012. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS), the Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. This award is given to distinguished individuals who risk their own lives above and beyond the call of duty.
“I felt very honored and very humbled because now I’m going to be a representative for the Navy and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, and there is a weight that carries with it,” Byers said. “That weight is the sacrifices that everyone had made within this community. Nic Checque and all other brothers who have fallen, it’s an affirmation and appreciation of the job that we do. I wouldn’t be able to do this job if it wasn’t for the support of my family, it’s impossible.”
“
We are humbled by Senior Chief Byers’ incredible example of service, and are proud to call him teammate.
”
President Obama began the ceremony by reading the SEAL ethos. “In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life,” read President Obama. “Senior Chief Edward In the early hours of Dec.9, 2012, a team of fearless Navy SEAL’s Byers, Jr. is such a man.” lives were changed forever. SEAL team six had traveled for hours to a predetermined location to rescue an American physician, Dr. Dilip Obama referred to Byers as a “consummate, quiet professional.” Joseph, who had been captured by Taliban combatants, along with his Although Byers tends to shy away from the spotlight, President driver and Afghan interpreter, less than a week before. As the troops Obama explained how the ceremony gives Americans the chance to moved within 25 meters of the target building, they were spotted by a get a glimpse of a special breed of warrior who so often serves in the Taliban guard. shadows. The White House highlighted Byers’ actions by stating that he was both courageous and selfless in his service during the December The first troop to reach the location, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas 2012 operation. D. Checque, rushed in through the doorway and was immediately shot by enemy AK-47 fire. Byers, the second soldier to reach the entrance “The strength of the NSW community is became engaged in hand-to-hand combat with an armed guard. Shortly in its exceptional people. Senior Chief Ed after, Byers identified Joseph as the only English speaking individual. Byers’ actions on the battlefield reflect the Byers selflessly hurled his body on top of Joseph to shield him from the highest ideals of our profession: bravery, gunshots fired across the room. According to an unclassified summary of selfless dedication to duty, and above the mission provided by the Department of Defense, Byers identified an all, the highest level of commitment to enemy fighter behind Joseph. While continuing to protect Joseph with his protect the lives of others and the freedom body, Byers pinned the assailant against the wall with his hand around his for which our nation stands,” said Rear throat to restrain him. Byers immobilized the enemy until another Navy Admiral Brian Losey, Commander, NSW. SEAL was able to shoot and kill him. “We are humbled by Senior Chief Byers’ incredible example of service, and are After the enemy was apprehended, proud to call him teammate.” In addition Joseph remained unharmed and was to his Medal of Honor, Senior Chief transferred to a helicopter landing zone U.S. NAVY PHOTO Byers’ awards and decorations include: to ensure his safety. Byers, who is also five awards of the Bronze Star Medal a certified paramedic, assisted to provide with Combat V device, two awards of the Purple Heart, among several medical aid to his troop mate, who was other distinguished awards. declared deceased of his wounds at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. “Nic Byers is content with his current position as a SEAL and American was embodied in a sense of what it is hero, and doesn’t have any plans to change his status anytime soon. to be an American hero,” said Byers of “I’m going to continue being a SEAL. I’m going to take whatever his SEAL brother. “He will forever be mission or job is next for me, and just continue doing that,” Byers said. U.S. NAVY PHOTO remembered in the pages of history for “I still love what I do, and as long as I love what I do, I’m going to the sacrifices he has made.” When Byers received the call from President continue doing it. It is truly the best job there is; a job I love with people Obama to inform and congratulate him on his selection for his prestigious I admire, whose purpose is important to me.” award, his initial reaction was not only shock, but honor.
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Page 9
Awards & Recognition Bulletin
March 2016
Highlight Achievements
March LOS Awards
Congratulations to:
25 Years
- ADC Shawn Warfield - Code CXA, awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious service during his tour onboard NSWC PCD - AWSC Daniel Brantley - Code CXA, awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious service during his tour onboard NSWC PCD - Jeffrey R. Renegar – Code A43, 2015 NAVSEA Excellence Award 3rd and 4th Quarter, Team Award as member of LCS 4 with SUW MP IOT&E Team
Dawn Klamser Kevin Klamser 15 Years Leonard Barron Burley Watkins 10 Years
Upcoming Recognition Opportunities Name of Award
Amanda Weber
Target Month
Women of Color (WOC) Technology Awards NAVSEA Excellence Award- 1st & 2nd Quarter Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Award Defense Acquisition Workforce Individual Achievement Awards NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award DoD Disability Awards National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Bronze Medal Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation (HENAAC) Awards
Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May
Department Award Coordinators A 10 00 E 01 02 X
Susan Anderson Sandy Wicks Ken Struve Roxane Batyski Jonathan Armstrong Todd Doucett Jim Fath
NSWC PCD Awards & Recognition Program Manager may be contacted at 234-4808
Page 10
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Save Your Smile, Your Health and Your Money: Enroll in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program Do you see your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups? If so, you have an excellent chance of keeping your teeth and gums healthy for a very long time. Because your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, maintaining good oral health is important — but even routine dental care can be costly, sometimes averaging several hundred dollars each year. Fortunately, the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) can keep you smiling and help you maintain your overall health, all at an affordable cost. Here are just some of the many reasons why more than 1.5 million current enrollees find the TRDP to be such a good value: • • • • •
You get your routine annual services—two cleanings (or three with diagnosed Type 1/Type 2 diabetes), two exams and an x-ray—with no cost share when you see a TRDP network dentist. And, these services don’t count towards your annual maximum or deductible! Seeing a network dentist network helps you save an average of 22% on your covered dental care. With the TRDP, there is a large nationwide network of dentists from which to choose. To find a network dentist near you, use the “Find a Dentist” link at trdp.org. Network dentists accept the TRDP allowed fee for covered services, so there are no surprise costs beyond your expected cost share and deductible, where applicable. Each enrollee gets a generous $1,300 annual maximum, a $1,200 annual dental accident maximum and a $1,750 lifetime orthodontic maximum. The TRDP coordinates benefits with other dental plans, allowing you to maximize your coverage under both plans.
To enroll in the TRDP, visit trdp.org and choose the method that works best for you. Enrolling online using the Quick Link to the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) site is quickest, or you can print an application from the TRDP website and mail it to Delta Dental along with your prepayment amount. After enrolling, you’re encouraged to register for the online Consumer Toolkit®, where you can verify your program eligibility; review your benefits, coverage levels and remaining maximums and deductibles; check on the status of your processed claims and claim payments; and sign up for paperless (electronic) Explanation of Benefits statements. Don’t wait to improve your oral health and your quality of life. Enroll in the TRDP today!
Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center Rear Adm. Lorin Selby Visits PCD Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, USN, presents Aviation Warfare Specialist Chief Petty Officer (NAC/AW) Daniel Brantley, USN, with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Feb. 25, 2016 for his tremendous dedication to duty and in support of the Search and Rescue unit at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division. (Photo by Jacqui Barker, NSWC PCD/RELEASED).
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Page 11
Naval Warfare Centers’ Latest Cohorts Particpate in Naval Post Graduate School EMBA Program By Office of Public Affairs and Congressional Affairs, NSWC Panama City Division
PANAMA CITY, Florida — The latest cohort of Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) students gathered in front of the Roman Plunge Reflecting Pool, Feb. 23, 2016. This newest class marks the first time that student cohorts from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston and Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) are participating in the EMBA program. “I really think the EMBA program will help Panama City with new ideas and insights into processes, program management, and how we conduct business,” said Jonathan Armstrong from the NSWC PCD cohort. “A few years ago, I started looking into the EMBA program after I received positive information from other Naval Surface
Page 12
NSWC PCD employees from left to right are: Tim Reed, Jonathan Armstrong, Adrione Canada, Christopher Meissner, Stephanie Gibson, Amanda Davis and Steven Howell. (U.S. Navy Photo)
Warfare Centers that had gone through the program.” The 24-month distance learning program helps Department of Navy officers and senior civilians advance their skills in the unique realm of defense management, with coursework capitalizing on the current managerial and leadership experience of program participants. ♦
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Bicycle Safety: Protect your Head, Always Wear a Helmet By Lt. Joseph Cahill, Neurologist Naval Hospital Pensacola Public Affairs Office
NAVAL HOSPITAL PENSACOLA, Florida — Working as a Neurologist has its challenges, but I have found that sometimes the real challenge lies at home with my own children and their attitudes towards protecting their brains or “grapes” as I like to call them. As my children have grown older, it has become harder to convince them of the importance of wearing helmets when biking, skateboarding or doing other activities that can lead to head injuries. The brain is a fascinating organ when it is working at its full capacity. However, just a small injury to the brain can change a person’s interaction and behaviors and make them almost unrecognizable. An injury to the prefrontal cortex, the motor planning center, can make a lifelong musician forget how to play piano. More devastating injuries, like those that occur in head trauma, can cause a disability in patients to the extent that they may no longer be able to care for themselves independently. I have found it is often difficult to translate this medical-speak into teenager-speak. Regardless of the “worst case scenarios” that parents can paint, or the examples that can be presented, teenagers often ignore the cautions of their own parents. This even occurs at my own home despite my level of education and experience. It becomes a struggle, even for a neurologist, to enforce helmets to teenage boys trying to fit in with their skateboarding buddies or girls not wanting to mess up their hair with a helmet while riding a bike with their friends. Like many parents, I was reluctant to wear a helmet as well growing up. It was a different time when helmet safety was not promoted like it is today, and it was before I saw firsthand the devastating head injuries that occur with just a simple fall from a bicycle or skateboard. It doesn’t take a lot of force to cause an injury to the brain. Simply falling off of a bicycle at slow speeds can cause a serious injury to the head if a helmet is not worn. As parents grow older and get more experience, we begin to realize the nature of the business of being alive and how fortunate many of us are to have survived our own youth, especially those of us in the medical field. As a Neurologist, I understand more than anyone the Coastal Compass - March 2016
Lt. Joseph Cahill, Neurologist, Naval Hospital Pensacola, shows a group of children the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet Feb. 5 at NHP. As a Neurologist, Cahill has seen firsthand the injuries that can occur from not wearing a helmet. (U.S. Navy Photo by Jason Bortz/RELEASED)
devastating consequences of children and adults not wearing helmets while snowboarding, skateboarding, bicycling or riding a motorcycle. I am proud to say I bought my first real bike helmet while in Neurology residency. I was resistant at first to riding with a helmet, but I couldn’t expect my children to ride with a helmet when their Neurologist dad didn’t wear one. I could enforce them wearing a helmet when they were young, but not when they turned into irascible and often antagonistic teenagers. I’ll be the first to admit I can’t protect my children from everything, but at a minimum, I can provide a good role model for them and hope that something sticks. As parents, let’s set a good example and educate our children at an early age on the importance of wearing a helmet. Please ensure as well that the helmet fits properly and that it is worn correctly. A helmet with the strap not connected won’t help during a fall. We may only have one chance to protect our “grape” or our children’s “grapes.” Lieutenant Joseph Cahill is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin’s Neurology Residency Program and is a board certified Neurologist. He graduated from La Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara International School of Medicine in 2009 and completed his final year of medical school at New York Medical College. Cahill is also an award winning screenwriter. ♦ Page 13
Opportunities Open for Civilian Expeditionary Warfare From the Office of U.S. Central Command
WASHINGTON — Use your experience and expertise to support Department of Defense (DoD) contingency operations by volunteering to deploy. The civilian deployment experience allows civilians to use their capabilities, experience, and knowledge as a crucial component of helping the Department of Defense accomplish its mission abroad. U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) is seeking current, permanent DoD employees with strong technical skills, competencies, and abilities with the desire to deploy as part of the Civilian Expeditionary Workforce (CEW). We provide employees the unique opportunity to serve in a dynamic environment alongside our military, allies, and coalition partners to provide a stabilizing presence, build security and conduct humanitarian assistance operations across the USCENTCOM Area of responsibility (AOR). Enhance your career, Improve your organization, Build the DoD workforce Working in a deployed environment while both mentally challenging and stimulating may also be arduous at times. Flexibility is the key asset of all deploying individuals to succeed in this very fluid environment. The USCENTCOM CEW Program offers an unparalleled career enrichment opportunity that allows you to build on your professional and interpersonal skills and set yourself apart from your peers. Civilian deployments also provide long-term advantages to your organization by increasing the strategic and operational ex-
perience within their work force. Developing a pipeline of talent with operational experience in working side by side with the military, cultivates leaders to meet the future needs of the DoD. The opportunity to augment our military in this unique capacity brings a sense of camaraderie and satisfaction of achievement that few civilians will ever experience. We are rebuilding Nations and providing regional stability. Incentives Beyond the individual personal and professional growth opportunities associated with deployment, you may be eligible for multiple financial incentives. As a civilian deployee, you may be eligible for up to 35 percent post differential pay; hazardous duty pay; as well as overtime compensation. Entitlements vary by location and length of tour. It is recommended applicants research the specific entitlements when considering a deployment opportunity. The Next Step Are you considering a civilian deployment experience? Congratulations! Deployable civilians are needed to fill critical vacancies across a multitude of occupational series, grades, locations and tours lengths. Duty locations vary in size and environment and each position provides for a slightly unique experience for which you will be thoroughly trained and equipped to succeed. For additional resources on the USCENTCOM deployment opportunities and entitlements, the USCENTCOM AOR, and the application processes visit https://cew.centcom.mil/Landing/Default. aspx or send inquiries to: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj3f-cew@mail.mil, or francis.m.hoeflinger.civ@mail.mil. ♦
Aircrewman 1st Class Bowman Retires Members of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Chief Petty Officers Mess present Aircrewman (Helicopter) Specialist 1st Class (NAC/AW/SW) Leland F. Bowman Jr. with a photo of the NSWC PCD Aviation Unit “Dragonmasters” MH-60S aircraft on Feb. 11, 2016 during Bowman’s retirement ceremony. The ceremony was held aboard USS Alabama (BB-60) in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Dill, NSWC PCD/RELEASED)
Page 14
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Navy Ball Fundraising in Building 110 Florida State University Career Fair NSWC PCD Office of General Council Assistant Counsel Ray Oldach talks to students in discussions about careers in law at Fast to the Future speed mentoring sessions at Florida State University Panama City on March 2, 2016. (Photo by Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD/RELEASED).
Coastal Compass - March 2016
Sailors ND1(DSW/EXW) Steven Starner, ND1(DSW/EXW/SW) Taylor Arney and AWS2(NAC/AW) Harrison GreenMaki participate in a pizza day fundraiser in support of the 241st Navy Birthday Ball that will be held on Oct. 15, 2016. Sailors, along with the Navy League, will be hosting various fundraisers in the coming months to prepare for the annual celebration of Navy history and heritage. (Photo by Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD/RELEASED).
Page 15
Page 16
Coastal Compass - March 2016