CHINA LAKE, Calif. – Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) leadership including commander Rear Adm. Mat Winter; Vice Commander Capt. Harry Dunbrack; Technical Director Scott O’Neil; and Deputy Director of Research and Engineering Andy Corzine, recognized the China Lake alumni at a special presentation ceremony held at the McLean Laboratory, Oct. 21.

The China Lake Alumni Association, headed by alumni director Don Cooper,
met a 20-year milestone this year. Winter presented a plaque to Cooper for his exemplary service to China Lake’s alumni that read, “With deep appreciation for standing the watch over China Lake’s retirees and their families these 15 years. Your care and concern for the founders and builders of this Center will long be remembered.”

Winter and O’Neil then responded to questions from the audience of more than 100 former employees, about base realignment and closure, demographics of the current employees, present work focus compared to the original mission of China Lake, as well as specifics about current and projected budget challenges. O’Neil also explained the present and future status of the China Lake environment that the alumni helped to develop.

China Lake is in its 67th year of operation. The alumni association comprises a large membership of former “China Lakers,” 65 of whom served 40 or more years at China Lake.