China Lake employee gets second highest civilian award before retiring

Date: 10-Feb-10
News Release Number: ECL201002101
News Release Copy: By Renee Hatcher NAWCWD Public Affairs

Rose Thyne, who retired in January after 25 years of government service, was presented a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award by Scott O'Neil, NAWCWD executive director, Jan. 29.Photo by Joy Lewis.

A producer in the NAWCWD Technical Communication Office was recognized Jan. 29 with a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award at the close of her federal government career.

Rose Thyne retired in January after 25 years of service.

NAWCWD Executive Director Scott O'Neil presented Thyne with the service award, the second highest recognition for civilian employees of the federal government. This award is comparable to the military's Legion of Merit, the sixth in order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

"Rose was an institution in our presentations group," O'Neil said. "Her work on both the center overview and the center's participation in the annual Indian Wells Valley Economic Outlook Conference was exceptional."

It's estimated that Thyne either produced or supported more than 1,000 command and program presentations that told the China Lake story at events like Tailhook conferences, science and engineering symposiums, and community service group functions in the IWV and Ventura County.

The award recognized Thyne as "the cornerstone for technical information and communication within the Weapons Division." It also cited her as the "go-to person, not just for presentation support, but any specific information about the command."

More than 50 of Thyne's friends, co-workers and family gathered Jan. 28 at the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and Technology to celebrate her career and contributions to the command and the community.

"Rose and I are 25-year cellmates," said Wallace Martin, of the NAWCWD Business Development Office. "We started out in cell block 6 in the "Old TID" building and we have been laughing and telling tall Southern tales (Texas and Louisiana style) ever since. I couldn't resist the chance to roast her as the master of ceremonies for her farewell party. She is an institution and will be sorely missed 'round here."

Thyne, originally from Texas, pursued a journalism degree at Texas Tech University. Throughout her entire career, she has been a creative contributor wherever she worked whether it was in writing, photography, or multi-media productions.

One of Thyne's first newspaper jobs was with the Hood County News in Texas. There, she earned more than 40 news writing and photojournalism awards from the Texas Press Association. Thyne was working at the Key West Citizen in Florida just before relocating to China Lake in 1983. She worked at the Daily Independent and then for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department before moving into the Presentations Development Group in what was then the Technical Information Department. About 10 years later, Thyne became the supervisor and directed a team of illustrators, graphic artists, and producers until the end of her career.

"Rose set a standard for others to emulate," O'Neil said. "Her work was instrumental in helping forge WD's image in our customers, visitors, and the broader Ridgecrest community."

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