The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division graduated 21 from the Engineer and Scientist Development Program (ESDP) during a ceremony held March 27 in the Michelson Laboratory at China Lake.

“The graduates made the choice to complete the requirements and have shown significant commitment in their accomplishments,” said Terry Roberts, of the Propulsion and Energetics Division who kicked off the spring 2012 ESDP graduation. “We thank the managers for the mentoring and guidance they have provided these employees.”

The ESDP graduates completed a minimum of three rotational assignments, level two Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certification, more than 300 hours of training, and demonstrated performance at the journeyman level.

Capt. Harry Dunbrack, NAWCWD vice commander, and Mallory Boyd, technical deputy for Research and Engineering, handed out the graduation plaques to the graduates who represented six departments across the command. The graduates were Steve Bachmeier, Travis Canfield, Vu Chau, Jeffrey Dieterich, Jacob Dunken, Wesley Hoekman, Heath Ice, Neil Japp, Brandon Knight, Mark Leach, Lam Lu, Dale Miller, Brandon Munis, William Pease, Mathew Riley, Norelle Shlanta, Brent Sundheimer, Ken Tran, Thomas Wang, Gregory Wolski and Jeff Zyla.

“Congratulations on a major milestone in your career,” said Dunbrack, who challenged the graduates to continue the tradition of innovative work at Weapons Division, to stay current, and to stay relevant. He acknowledged the support of supervisors and emphasized the value of relationships as he told the graduates, “now, it’s your turn to be a mentor to someone else.”