By Lt. Mike Randazzo, ASP Public Affairs Officer

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) 6066 was recently selected as the 2003 Air Systems Program (ASP) Unit of the Year most notably for dynamic, focused, and measurable contributions to its gaining command during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The award, which is given annually to the top command of the program's 32 units, was presented to Captain Dennis Baker, Commanding Officer, NAVAIRSYSCOM 6066, by Rear Admiral Mark Hazara, Director, Naval Reserve Air Systems Program during the 2003 Commanding Officers Conference held at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md.

Based at NAS Patuxent River, MD, NAVAIRSYSCOM 6066's complement of 18 officers and 15 enlisted personnel provide contributory support to NAVAIR's Industrial Capabilities competency, AIR 6.0. This support includes major event forecasting, cross-competency planning, forward budget planning, and direct support to the Naval Aviation Depots for processes, inspections, and training.

NAVAIRSYSCOM 6066 was uniquely positioned to contribute through its support role for NAVAIR's forward operating depots. This year's award particularly recognized the importance of the projects assigned to this unit and the level of leadership and professionalism needed to accomplish its mission and deliver measurable results. NAVAIRSYSCOM 6066 has earned an unprecedented level of responsibility with AIR 6.0, which is evidenced by the nature of mission-critical projects ranging from development of real-time Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to augmenting active duty staffs.

Specifically, contributions resulted in optimal support of real-time gaining command activities at NAVAIR 6.0 Headquarters, the Naval Air Pacific Repair Activity, Atsugi, Japan, and the Naval Air Mediterranean Repair Activity, Naples, Italy. Additionally, unit activities resulted in the timely support for OEF initiatives at the following locations: Naval Air Station (NAS) NAS China Lake, NAS North Island, NAS Jacksonville, NAS New Orleans, and NAS Norfolk; the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point; Wright Patterson Air Force Base; the Pentagon; and forward deployments aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-67) in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

In support of OEF, for example, the unit augmented the workforce in OPNAV (Code 781) Aviation Depot Requirements, which included management of five depot readiness accounts and 14 programs.

Furthermore, by leveraging the capabilities and insights of seasoned strategic planning professionals the unit facilitated the development of a comprehensive CONOPS that was activated at the start of OIF in support of forward-deployed assets in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain. This planning document allowed for quick response to handle in-theater wartime depot-level activities exceeding 300% of standard workloads.

Unit personnel recently recalled to active duty in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Okinawa provided critical insight into the development of future Aircraft Battle Damage Repair initiatives. This knowledge is being developed from an ASP-wide perspective and will prove essential to the effectiveness of future combat scenarios.

"Our NAVAIR customers are the reason for our existence and our strategic and tactical planning goals and objectives are singularly focused on adding value and assisting NAVAIR in achieving its vision," RADM Hazara said. "Effective customer focus is realized by the trust and confidence that this gaining command has in its Air Systems Program Reserve units."

"NAVAIRSYSCOM 6066 personnel have worked diligently to develop a capable and responsive team built on sound leadership and management principals. Their contributions demonstrated a unique ability to balance competing priorities, requiring comprehensive unit professional and personal readiness to ensure that their unit is aligned to meet the current and evolving requirements of the NAVAIR mission," said Rear Admiral Bert Johnston, Vice Commander, Naval Air Systems Command.

The Air Systems Program provides qualified and diverse civilian and military experience in operational support of Naval Air Systems Command research and development, engineering, program management, logistics, and industrial capability activities. The 600 Naval Reserve officer and enlisted men and women of the ASP train constantly to respond to evolving NAVAIR missions enabling the organization to harvest tangible cost reductions for fleet recapitalization. The ASP is comprised of 32 commands that are headquartered in 14 states.

PHOTO CAPTION: Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) 6066 was recently selected as the 2003 Air Systems Program (ASP) Unit of the Year most notably for dynamic, focused, and measurable contributions to its gaining command during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The award, which is given annually to the top command of the program's 32 units, was presented to Captain Dennis Baker (right), Commanding Officer, NAVAIRSYSCOM 6066, by Rear Admiral Mark Hazara, Director, Naval Reserve Air Systems Program during the 2003 Commanding Officers Conference held at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md.

For more information about the ASP please contact Lt. Mike Randazzo via e-mail at [email protected].