Released by the NAWCWD Public Affairs Office China Lake

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division China Lake, Calif.--Robert E. (Bob) Olson, an electronics engineer, from Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake received the Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award Thursday, June 24, from NAWC WD Commander, Rear Adm. David Venlet.

This award, a high honorary award that the Secretary of the Navy confers, is reserved for civilian employees who are recognized for their high value, extraordinary service and contribution to DoN. “Obviously, I didn’t expect this. It means a lot to be appreciated,” commented Olson. "There are only a few things in a career that is profound, and this is one."

It was noted for more than 30 years, Olson has provided vital contributions to the advancement of naval weapons technology at China Lake.

In addition to his technical skills, Olson is a leader who ensures knowledge is transferred to next-generation scientists and engineers at the center. “During your career you have influenced everyone around you,” said Adm. Venlet. He led a team of in-house experts in developing and presenting a two-day introductory course on missile guidance and control plus instrumental in defining a system-engineering curriculum for new engineers at NAWC WD.

“Your extraordinary technical knowledge and exceptional leadership qualities have made you a key player in numerous complex weapons systems projects for NAVAIR,” added Adm. Venlet. In 1987, he earned the Naval Weapons Center Technical Director’s Award for his leadership role for system specifications for the Standoff Land-Attack Missile (SLAM). Known as a problem-solver, Olson has been instrumental in projects such as Dual Mode Condor, Advanced Common Intercept Missile Demonstration, Rolling Airframe Missile, AIM-9X, SLAM, Harpoon, and the Advanced Bomb Family of weapons.

In the nomination package Olson’s winning international recognition as chairman of Systems Architecture Working Group, co-chairman of the Systems Engineering Process Definition Working Group of the International Council on Systems Engineering and chief systems engineer for the WD Systems Engineering Department was highlighted by his current supervisor Dr. Bob Smith.
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Caption for Photo: Rear Admiral David Venlet Presents Weapons Division Employee Bob Olson With Navy Meritorious Civilian Award.