By Lt. Mike Randazzo, USNR, Air Systems Program Public Affairs Officer

Naval Reservist Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth L. Georgevits has been designated the next Deputy Director, Strategic Communications for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Air Systems Program (ASP).

An ASP member for nearly 16 years, Georgevits is currently assigned to NAVAIRSYSCOM 0897. The 18-officer unit, based at Naval Station Newport, R.I., provides engineering and technical program management support to NAVAIR's Acquisition and Operations competency organization (AIR-1.0), located in Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.

In late 2002, ASP leadership directed that a formal Strategic Communications (STRATCOMM) organization be created to enhance the ability of the commands within the ASP to accomplish their collective mission in supporting NAVAIR and the Fleet. In this capacity Georgevits will support the development and execution of the annual STRATCOMM plan in concert with the ASP's 31 Unit Information Representatives and other program personnel.

"The Strategic Communications program has proven to be a worthwhile and indispensable component in improving our operational effectiveness and mission accomplishment," said Rear Admiral Mark M. Hazara, Air Systems Program Director. “Since its inception 18 months ago, the ASP STRATCOMM team has produced many relevant internal and external communications, all of which effectively supported the ongoing development of positive and mutually beneficial relationships throughout NAVAIR and the Fleet.”

"It is the responsibility of every Sailor assigned to the ASP to support this communications effort by ensuring our messages are accurate, consistent, and correctly communicated with one voice . . . a voice that is fully integrated and aligned with Navy leadership," Georgevits added.

The Air Systems Program provides qualified and diverse civilian and military experience in operational support of NAVAIR 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.

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

PHOTO CAPTION: Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth L. Georgevits, USNR, has been designated as the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Air Systems Program (ASP) Deputy Director, Strategic Communications.