Eight logistics management specialists at Naval Air Station Patuxent River reached the first of many career milestones with Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers and Naval Air Systems Command Logistics and Industrial Operations (AIR 6.0) as they graduated from the Naval Acquisition Developmental Program on Sept. 10.

During a ceremony among coworkers and peers at Building 446 in the Logistics Industrial Complex at NAS Patuxent River, the program participants, including associates and interns, heard inspirational words from Todd Balazs, deputy assistant commander for AIR 6.0. They learned from the senior executive some steps they should take to get ahead in their career.

“When you graduate from this program, you’re not done,” Balazs said. “This is a time for you to think about continuing to grow in your professional acumen. Leverage everything you have, your peer groups, other professional organizations … and don’t stop there. I feel like there’s always something that I can learn from the job.”

Balazs also emphasized the importance of continuing with the mentor program, whether it’s as a mentee or a mentor.

“I had a lot of people mentor me through my career and got me to where I am,” he said.

The Naval Acquisition Development Program offers opportunities for those who desire to advance their professional career. For more information on the program, visit http://acquisition.navy.mil/ , click on Acquisition Workforce, Career Development and then Naval Acquisition Development Program.