Entry-level employees from Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst (NAWCAD LKE) got a behind-the-scenes look at USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during a visit to Norfolk, VA on May 24.

The group of 20 team members was led by chaperones Xavier Rose, the E-2 Non-Avionics Support Equipment Branch head, and Ronald Fevola, on rotation with the Workforce Operations Office. After splitting into two groups, the employees were led by Michael Finney and Casey Nalley from NAWCAD LKE’s Carrier and Field Service Unit (CAFSU) on CVN 77, while Mark Noriega and Nickolas Neilan from Aeronautical Systems Inspection Representatives (ASIR) led the LPD 28 tour.

The trip served as an authentic experience for NAWCAD LKE employees to tour the working environment that Sailors and Marines deal with. It also allowed the junior employees to see firsthand how their equipment is used and provided an opportunity to meet the Sailors, gaining greater insight into how the equipment affects the overall mission.

“These tours are important to help our employees make the connection between NAWCAD and the fleet, help familiarize them with the operations on the ship, and also to help them to understand the mission of the CAFSU and ASIR teams,” Rose said. “Sometimes it’s hard to fully understand an issue by looking at a drawing or reading a document, so events like these are great to get hands-on with our equipment, identify challenges and work to make improvements in the future.”

Sarah Bunn, a data scientist currently on rotation in the Data and Cyber Analytics Branch, said the tour was “really foundational to understanding the bigger picture of the systems I work on and the Navy as a whole.”

“It’s one thing to look at the system in the lab and something completely different to actually watch and have the opportunity to talk to a Landing Signal Officer operating the system,” Bunn said.

Neilan said he had a great time showing his colleagues around the ship, calling them “very inquisitive and engaged,” while Finney said, “it is my hope that the individuals who were a part of this tour learned a little more about our systems and how they provide service to the fleet.” 

As the Workforce Operations Office continues hosting similar tours in the future, Bunn believes the experience can be invaluable and memorable for those who take part.

“I really learned so much and feel very fortunate to have had that experience. I think it will make a huge impact on my career as someone who most likely wouldn’t get to tour a ship otherwise,” Bunn said.