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

SAN DIEGO, Calif.--At a ceremony that took place at Naval Base Coronado here, Aviation Support Equipment Technician First Class (AS1) David Lonetti and Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class (AM3) Brian Larson were named the respective 2003 Air Systems Program (ASP) Sailor and Blue Jacket of the Year.

Rear Adm. Mark M. Hazara, Director, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Air Systems Programs presented the awards on March 20 during the annual Spring Commanding Officers Conference.

Lonetti currently drills with NAVAIRSYSCOM 0196, which is based in Minneapolis, MN. One of largest units in the ASP, the command’s 65 officer and enlisted personnel provides operational support for four separate NAVAIR competencies: AIR-1.0, AIR-3.0 and VX-23 based at NAS Patuxent River, and VX-30 at NAS Pt. Mugu, CA.

Larson's unit supports the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three One (VX-31) located in China Lake, CA. VX-31 provides aircraft, test pilots, project officers, and flight test planning oversight for research, development, test, and evaluation of weapons and aircraft platform-related systems.

During the presentation Hazara praised Lonetti's and Larson's willingness to seek out innovative ways to provide mission support. "These two Sailors were selected from a highly competitive field of nominees, and they have clearly made significant and measurable contributions to the United States Navy, and specifically our NAVAIR customers," Hazara said.

While serving as support equipment work center supervisor, Lonetti was instrumental in motivating and developing a 13-member T-56 aircraft engine Reclamation in Lieu of Procurement (RILOP) team. Despite a challenging period during which Minneapolis Navy and Marine Corps Air Reserve Center relocated to a new facility, Lonetti's leadership was directly responsible for returning 1,200 critical engine parts back to the Navy's supply system.

"His keen focus, resourcefulness, and attention to detail provided the enlisted catalyst that drove the unit to reach 100% goal achievement in a program that has provided a $6.2 million cost reduction to the Navy," said Capt. Mark Davison, the unit's commanding officer.

As an airframes technician, Petty Officer Larson personally contributed over 100 hours towards an overall effort of 890 total hours in direct mission support of VX-31. Larson was also requested by name to lead a project that successfully restored an AV-8A aircraft for the Colonel Leffler Memorial.

"Petty Officer Larson's tireless efforts and positive attitude were key contributors to the command’s success,” commented unit commanding officer, Capt. Jeff Frost. He is an exceptionally talented aircraft maintainer whose personal contributions resulted in significant measurable gains towards VX-31 mission accomplishment."

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 650 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 units that are based in 14 states.

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1) Aviation Support Equipment Technician First Class (AS1) David Lonetti was recently named the 2003 Air Systems Program Sailor of the Year. Rear Adm. Mark M. Hazara, Director, Naval Air Systems Command Air Systems Programs, presented Lonetti with a Navy Commendation medal for this achievement on 20 March during the annual Spring Commanding Officers Conference. Lonetti's wife, Ilena, was on hand to share the award presentation with her husband.

PHOTO CAPTION (2) At a ceremony that took place at Naval Base Coronado, Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class (AM3) Brian Larson receives a Navy Achievement Medal in recognition of being named the 2003 Air Systems Program Blue Jacket of the Year. Rear Adm. Mark M. Hazara, Director, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Air Systems Programs presented the award to AM3 Larson on 20 March during the annual Spring Commanding Officers Conference.