The Naval Air Systems Command recently recognized Robert McRae, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Department technical director, as Lakehurst Mentor of the Year for his ongoing commitment to developing junior-level employees.

“Mentorship is critical for propelling employees further in their respective careers and preserving the knowledge and expertise of our current subject matter experts,” said Kathleen Donnelly, NAWCAD Lakehurst executive director. “Through his involvement with the NAVAIR Mentoring Program, Rob has allowed our employees to benefit from his experience and proficiency in ALRE, which in turn enables NAWCAD Lakehurst’s ability to provide innovative capabilities to the warfighter.”

McRae began mentoring in 2002, using the program as a tool to help develop his immediate team members. “My first mentee was a newly minted Rutgers University graduate. By mentoring this individual, I was able to help her become one of the top engineers in her particular area of responsibility,” he said. “Once I saw that mentoring someone could have such a positive impact on not only the individual, but also the program, I set out to mentor others and help navigate them through their respective careers.”

According to McRae, mentoring is not only an opportunity to help junior employees become successful in their careers, but also a vocation, which allows NAWCAD Lakehurst to continue to provide the best support and products to Sailors and Marines. 

“In my view, the entire reason for Lakehurst’s existence is to support the warfighter,” McRae said. “I try to ensure that my mentees understand that responsibility as they move forward in their careers.”

McRae organized aircraft carrier familiarization trips, which provided an opportunity for employees to witness flight operations and see the environment in which Sailors operate and maintain equipment.

“Running those trips and allowing employees to see how their jobs directly impacted the warfighter stands out in my mind as a successful mentoring moment,” McRae said.

According to McRae, bringing new and personal experiences to mentees can have a significant impact on mentorship success.

“As in any professional relationship, honesty and integrity are also key. I tell all my mentees that I will make time to meet with them, but I also expect them to be prepared with discussion topics so we can make the time meaningful,” McRae said.

McRae credits his success to his NAWCAD Lakehurst mentors, including former electrical engineer, Joe Zsebenyi, former mechanical engineer, Doug Samuel, and former ALRE division head, Bob Barro.

“These gentlemen took me under their wing and taught me the ropes of the organization,” McRae said. “I found myself following their example by becoming involved in—and ultimately leading—various projects throughout ALRE.”

McRae credits the success of the NAVAIR mentorship program to the volunteers involved with the program.

“We are all extremely busy, especially in the current work environment that we find ourselves in. Daily taskers and commitments are important, and part of the job, but taking the time to develop our junior-level employees is equally important,” McRae said. “The taskers of today will fade in your memory, but the friendships that you will experience in developing your mentees will last throughout your career.”

According to McRae, his legacy lies with the mentorship program.

“This summer marks my 33rd year of service at NAWCAD Lakehurst and I am getting to the stage in my career that I am hearing people talk about their legacy with respect to the impact that they have had,” he said. “When I look back over my career and see the successes and contributions of the employees I have mentored, I know mentoring is the most important contribution that I have made to NAWCAD.”