ORLANDO, Fla. - The future looks bright for Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as the latest group of the organization’s leaders visited Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 6, 2014. As part of the NAVAIR Leadership Development Program (NLDP), the weeklong leadership orientation and foundational training class gave NLDP participants opportunities to learn more about NAWCTSD’s mission and how they function within NAVAIR.

The agenda was loaded with a variety of activities: modeling and simulation tours, communication classes and technology training courses. The session was kicked off with welcoming remarks by NAVAIR Deputy Commander, Garry Newton who discussed the command's vision and leadership expectations.

Later, NAWCTSD Technical Director John Meyers commended the participants for their level of effort in following through with their career aspirations and encouraged them to expel the same amount of effort and planning into their personal careers.

“Just like you are great at making plans to execute your mission, I encourage you to put the same amount of energy into the plan for your career,” Meyers said.

Along with learning about NAWCTSD’s role within NAVAIR, NLDP participants also met with senior NAWCTSD leaders during a “Lunch with Leaders” session, where they discussed some of their recent accomplishments, sought career advice and conversed about various leadership styles and techniques.

 “At NAVAIR, we work with the brightest and most talented diverse group of individuals in the civilian community. There is a lot of knowledge to share with this workforce,” said NLDP participant Sabana Moore-Barnes, a NAVAIR contracting officer from Patuxent River, Maryland. “NLDP is an amazing opportunity, and I have personally learned a great deal about how I can be perceived by others and how to effectively communicate with people with diverse communication styles. I am excited.”

After the completion of the week-long course, program participants left NAWCTSD feeling confident and enthusiastic about their training.

“I can share the practical knowledge with both with my co-workers and my family,” said NLDP participant and Logistics Management, Specialist Jason Worner. “NLDP is an outstanding program strengthening NAVAIR through its people, and I look forward to continued participation in the future.”

NLDP serves as NAVAIR’s flagship career developmental program, blending critical leadership learning with vital productivity skills to better prepare civilian and military employees for future leadership roles. The Department of the Navy and NAVAIR offer several career tools, including programs such as NLDP, to attract and keep a strong and vital workforce. To learn more, visit www.navair.navy.mil/jobs/training.html.