NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Thirteen scientists and engineers were inducted into the NAVAIR Fellows Program Aug. 16 in a ceremony at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. From left to right, NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Randy Mahr, NAVAIR Deputy Assistant Commander for Research and Engineering Jesse McCurdy, NAVAIR Deputy Commander Kal Leikach and Fellows William Reardon, Daniel Skelley, Leon Smith, Ding Huang, Brian Markowich, Kevin Birney (accepting for John Asvestas), Linda Mullen and Frank Narducci. NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. David Architzel (pictured at right), talked about the importance of mentors in his keynote address during a video conference linking Patuxent River and China Lake. “At NAVAIR, we believe that mentors make a difference,” he said. “They make a difference in our organization, in our Navy and in the world.” He encouraged every member of the workforce to participate in formal or informal mentoring programs because he said it is a proven method for developing future leaders. “I’m fortunate that I received such mentorship over my time in the Navy from some very inspirational leaders and mentors and received some critical leadership assignments as a result throughout my career in the Navy,” he said.