Released by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake Public Affairs Office --

The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) held its fourth Engineering and Scientist Development Program (ESDP) graduation on June 21, 2005 at Michelson Laboratory, China Lake, CA. Fifteen employees from China Lake and Point Mugu were recognized for their successful completion of the program. Scott O’Neil, NAWCWD Executive Director (Acting), provided opening comments, congratulating the participants on meeting one of their professional milestones and encouraging them to continue to have milestones throughout their careers.

Considered a critical and important employee development program, the ESDP is deemed vital for the expectations of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and its commitment to warfighter superiority. Graduation from the program is a significant accomplishment and represents the culmination of many hours of training and widespread work experience attained over a broad range of assignments. Extensive training is given in the technical aspects of weapons systems, and skills are developed in communication theory, external business, marketing strategies, negotiation techniques, procurement, finance, team networking, team leadership, high performance organizations and technical writing.

RDML Mark Skinner, Commander, NAWCWD joined O’Neil in presenting each ESDP graduate with a plaque. In comments to the group, Skinner discussed the benefit of continuing to develop leadership skills and asked them to transfer their knowledge to others now. CAPT Dan Lee, Military Director, Weapons and Energetics Department, gave the closing remarks.

Each graduate was given the opportunity to share their thoughts about the work they had been assigned and the overall program. Lisa Barneby, Point Mugu, said she has enjoyed working the various programs on the Sea Range and the opportunities she has had that are not available in private industry. Matt Bishop is working in the Integrated Battlespace Arena (IBAR) at China Lake. He feels he has a great career and believes that 50% of the time he is using knowledge he already has and 50% of the time he is learning new things. Sean Litton is a Range Integration Engineer at China Lake’s Electronic Combat Range. He finds supporting the warfighter very fulfilling. While Todd Rogers enjoyed his tours, a key factor for him was being able to find a niche needed for the Navy and for himself.

The program is well understood and supported by the leaders of NAWCWD, and serves as a model for NAVAIR. In addition to culminating the educational and on-the-job knowledge acquired through the ESDP, graduation serves as an important indication of career development and distinction.

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PHOTO CUTLINE: RDML Mark Skinner (left) stands with ESDP graduates and program leaders, including (front row, l-r) Vesna Prodan, Lisa Barneby, Nancybeth Schultz, David Mercier, Aerielle Brown, Betty Miller (NAWCWD Professional Recruitment), Linda Malone (ESDP Point Mugu Site Technical Coordinator) and (back row, l-r) Matt Bishop, Richard Chairez, Todd Rogers, Sean Litton, Brad Lormand, Scott O'Neil (NAWCWD Executive Director, Acting) and Shawn Hertz (ESDP China Lake Site Technical Coordinator). Also graduating but unable to attend were Mark Metelko, Paul Mondragon, Pat Seward, Asif Shahzad and Michael Tuttle.