Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division recognized the 26 members of the fifth graduating class of the Tactical Engineer Development Program during a Jan. 7 ceremony at China Lake.

The program, originated at NAWCWD, gives engineers an overall stronger connection to the warfighter by showing the context in which naval combat operations occur. For the Weapons Division, this means more efficient project development and execution, concepts and designs that more adequately support the warfighter, better understanding of operational requirements including the "why," improved integration and interoperability, and an engaged and motivated workforce.

“You can’t get enough exposure to these sorts of broadening opportunities,” said Rear Adm. Scott Dillon, NAWCWD commander and graduation keynote speaker. “I’ve been in the Navy for 33 years, if you count time at the Naval Academy. I think counting time at the Naval Academy is appropriate, because it was really the last time in my career when I received a broad exposure to things that are happening in a lot of different areas across the military.”

The 2019 course included 25 days of academic instruction, interaction with retired and active military personnel, as well as hands-on training in the F/A-18F Tactical Operational Flight Trainer, all spread out over much of the year. For the first time, the class included a participant from outside NAWCWD: Desiree Smith from Patuxent River, who said she intends to take what she learned to build something similar there.

“The more we understand about all the different missions that the military needs to perform and the way those missions fit together, the better I think we’re able to be a true world-class service provider, and answer whatever demand any particular customer has for us,” Dillon said.

In addition to Smith, the 2019 TEDP graduates are: Sean Buckley, Samuel Cloutier, Breanna Croy, Marianne Droney, Erin Duchow, Jennifer Duchow, Morgan Eudy, Tyler Filkins, Kyle Godett, Isaac Graham, Paul Gutierrez, Peter Hallsten, Laura Hutchinson, Taylor Knight, Phillip Land, John Marcozzi, Julie Martin, Katherine McLaughlin, Michael Ongaro, Amanda Phillips, Megan Rawson, Rachel Sydow, Caroline Weinstein, Alyssa Williams, and Amanda Young.

“I’d like to thank the students for your attendance, your attention and your perseverance over a long and demanding syllabus,” said Ian Anderson, TEDP lead. “Every class day, your enthusiasm and mental focus made it a pleasure to teach and administer the course, and it was obvious the great instructors that NAWCWD and naval aviation have are blessed with a very talented, motivated and intelligent workforce.”