NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Naval Acquisition Development Program (NADP) participants from Naval Air System Command (NAVAIR) Logistics and Industrial Operations (AIR 6.0) and Research and Engineering (AIR 4.0) had the opportunity for a pier-side tour of Nimitz-class carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in Norfolk, Virginia, June 14.

The 44 participants saw up close what Sailors experience every day aboard a ship. From witnessing the testing of the arresting gear to touring the flight deck, hangar bay and the forecastle, they gained a new perspective on how their jobs at NAVAIR impact the fleet.

“In a prior internship rotation with the Direct Time and Sensitive Strike Weapons Program Management Activity (PMA-242),  I had been part of a concepts of operations (CONOPS) meeting which covered how-to stow, assemble and load weapon systems onboard carriers," said Jacqueline Trenholm, logistics management analyst, Logistics Management Integration (AIR 6.6). "I was able to connect much of the shipboard terminology used in that CONOPS meeting to what I saw on this tour.”

Jennifer Dixon, logistics management analyst, Maintenance Planning and Sustainment (AIR 6.7) also was grateful for the new perspective. Being onboard the carrier gave her "much more respect for the men and women on deployment serving our nation," she said. "Watching videos does not compare to being there in person.”

Tracy Hurtt, logistics management analyst, Aviation Readiness and Resource Analysis (AIR 6.8) echoed Dixon's sentiments: "It was great to see the fleet and what we [AIR 6.0] were supporting. I know we support aircraft, but the carrier holds those aircraft. I have never been that close to a ship and I loved it.”