CHINA LAKE, Calif. – Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) Commander Rear Adm. Mat Winter recently awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award to Joan L. Johnson in recognition of her exceptional service as the acting director for the NAWCWD from June through December 2010.

In the citation, Winter noted, “your exceptional coordination of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Integration and Interoperability summit in December 2010 was a historic event. You also were instrumental in finalizing the Weapon’s Division’s Strategic Plan by identifying tactical initiatives that aligned to the strategic guidance prepared by the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Naval Air Systems Command. Your leadership skills, deep commitment to people and your technical prowess make you an inspiring leader. Your professional expertise and personal dedication reflect highly upon you and the United States Navy. Thank you for a job well done!”

Johnson currently serves as the director of Software Engineering for NAVAIR. She manages over 500 civilians at multiple sites and provides the technical direction and leadership required to acquire, develop, and integrate the embedded software for Navy, Marine Corps aircraft, Weapons and associated support systems.

Johnson’s government service began at China Lake in February 2000, after a distinguished career in the private sector. She became the activity lead for the Weapon System Support for the AH-1 Super Cobra attack helicopter program in 2001 where she was responsible for full lifecycle support for the AH-1 Super Cobra.

In December 2003, Johnson was selected as head of the Systems Engineering Management division. In 2008 she entered the Senior Executive Service. She received the Michelson Laboratory award in 2007 for her significant contributions to Navy and Marine aviation.