Of all the entries that I write for this Blog, these Bravo Zulus are my favorite. It's a chance to share the value NAWCAD brought to the Fleet during the last quarter and to recognize a few of the many people who were part of that work.

Bill Reason, LT Kirsten Carlson, Kelly Johnson, Pat Gatewood, Ingi Ford, Nick Andrew, Janna Roberts, and LT Greg Gibson are working on an Integrated Warfighter Capability Pilot Project to develop a concept of an advanced weapons system test that will exercise an entire "kill chain" from mission brief to detonation before actually flying the weapon. They are breaking new ground by creatively leveraging existing capabilities to execute a Live-Virtual-Constructive event at geographically diverse sites.

Steve Coleman's work on a Personal Air Conditioning System that led to a patented "green" all-natural air-conditioning system. His commitment and technical expertise are furthering this innovative solution to use waste heat to power air-conditioning systems. When fielded this will be another way NAWCAD will make the Navy and Marine Corps more power efficient in the future.

When we say "Naval Aviation," most think of an F/A-18, perhaps a P-3 or an SH-60. How about a C-26? Three "Metroliners" are assigned the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, Hawaii, as a range support aircraft, and if they aren’t available, range readiness is degraded. CDR Matthew Edwards from AIR-4.1 assisted the PMRF commanding officer by correcting deficient contractor maintenance practices, ensuring acceptable aircraft material readiness and adherence to maintenance programs. His expertise in identifying where the contractor could improve helped ensure PMRF has safe and reliable C-26 aircraft to perform their mission.

There were too many to list individually, but an ALRE team of Sailors, civilians and contractors worked through the night a few weeks ago to repair a hydraulic leak on the Lakehurst arresting gear. Their knowledge and willingness to put in long hours ensured the repairs were completed and enabled the F-35C Lightening II arresting hook testing at Lakehurst to complete on schedule. Their teamwork and commitment to this test were clear and were in the best traditions of NAWCAD test teams.

Commander, Military Sealift Command, sent his personal Bravo Zulu via naval message to NAWCAD and HX-21 for completing SA-330J PUMA helicopter Dynamic Interface Testing for CVN 68 and T-AOE class ships. Aisley Gash, Andy Polgreen, Kirsten Finnegan, Josh Marvin, and Colin Burns brought their usual teamwork and professionalism to the 229 launches/recoveries required. Rear Admiral Mark Buzby noted these tests will increase combat logistics flexibility, as well as improve fleet sustainment worldwide.

Rob Hay, Heidi Moore, Mark Crouthamel and James Choflet worked on the Shipboard Helo Handler to support combined NAWCAD and Naval Surface Warfare Center analyses for upcoming Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) deployments. Their work, which had visibility all the way up to the CNO, helped determine the MH-60R aircraft gross weight / configurations to safely operate within deck load limits aboard the LCS.

Joanna McVey, Deborah Rossi, Christine Farrell, Kate Bazergui and Maria Legato supported a "Girls Involved in Science & Technology" event at Georgian Court University by sharing their stories and being mentors during the one-week program. Role models really do spark curiosity, exploration, and discovery, and their continuing active involvement will inspire young women to consider STEM career choices and careers in government service.

Finally, Stevens Institute of Technology selected NAWCAD Lakehurst as their 2012 Employer of the Year. Each year, Stevens recognizes an employer who has gone above and beyond the typical recruitment relationship. For more than 10 years NAWCAD has been a presence on-campus for Stevens students, participating in recruitment programs, career fairs and providing job opportunities for cooperative education students and interns. In return, Stevens has developed a Master of Science in Systems Engineering degree curriculum focused purely on Support Equipment and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment. Hundreds of our current engineers and scientists earned their MSSE via this relationship.

Some are civil servants, others are military and contractors. One of our strengths in NAWCAD is it doesn't matter who signs our paychecks or what state we call home, we're all dedicated to doing the job right. BZ!