By Betsy Haley
NAVAIR Public Affairs

On Monday August 2, Vice Adm. Wally Massenburg, NAVAIR Commander, presented Capt. Mike Hardee, NAVRIIP Chief of Staff and Enterprise AIRSpeed Project Officer, with the Defense Superior Service medal (DSSM). The medal is awarded only to members of the United States Armed Forces who rendered superior service in a position of significant responsibility over a sustained period of time.

Specifically, Hardee distinguished himself during his service as Commander, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Sikorsky Aircraft from December 2001 to November 2003. During this period, his leadership and efforts resulted in major contributions to national security and by his direction the DCMA achieved its most active flight activity with over 2,338 sorties and 2,580 mishap free hours ensuring a 100 percent on time delivery rate for over 150 aircraft to the president, military departments, National Guard and allied nations.

During Hardee’s acquisition contact management stewardship of five acquisition programs, he transformed the Command into a customer-centered culture providing information to buying Commands and presenting predictive analyses for the program managers. Hardee was the catalyst for revolutionizing the contracting organization that is now focused on failures modes effects analysis in production processes, which is paying immeasurable benefits to the Warfighter.

“Through his distinctive accomplishments, Capt. Hardee reflects great credit upon himself, the United States and the Department of Defense,” said Massenburg.

The Secretary of Defense awards DSSM.

Photo Caption: Vice Adm. Wally Massenburg presents Capt. Mike Hardee with the Defense Superior Service Medal on Monday, 2 August.