NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Dennis West, Commander, Fleet Readiness Center (COMFRC) deputy commander, presented the Department of the Navy’s highest civilian service award to Deborah Vergos (right), former director for COMFRC’s Future Plans and Capabilities department, during the COMFRC All-Hands meeting on Oct. 27 here.

Vergos, who retired in June 2015, was honored with the Distinguished Civilian Service Award for providing, according to the citation, “credible, capable maintenance repair and overhaul options for aircraft airframes, engines and components. Under Vergos’ direct leadership, countless initiatives and business relationships have been established to increase the capability of [the Department of the Navy’s] industrial base. These initiatives have undoubtedly saved the Naval Aviation Enterprise crucial funds during times of fiscal constraint, and most importantly, provided aircraft readiness when needed during a time of prolonged armed conflict.”

Vergos’ 42-year career began with an assignment as a Navy clerk typist at the Naval Air Rework Facility Naval Air Station, North Island San Diego, California. During her career, she worked as a contract administrator in the production engineering department, Facilities Engineering Division at the Naval Air Rework Facility in San Diego; and supervisory production controller (aircraft) for Plant Management, Production and Supply Services Office, Production Control and Planning Competency Office, Naval Aviation Depot, North Island, California. She came to Patuxent River in December 1998 as a program analyst for NAVAIR.

In 2013, Vergos was tasked with standing up a new organization within COMFRC -- the N8 Code -- responsible for the planning of future capability and capacity across the Fleet Readiness Centers (FRC) enterprise.

“The unprecedented structural and cultural change required for this effort was significant as each FRC site was accustomed to running their operations independently for decades,” said Cmdr. Mark Nieto, military director, COMFRC N8. “Debbie has a unique understanding of the needs, direction and potential capabilities of naval technology. During the past five years, her leadership has significantly impacted the success of the enterprise investment programs at COMFRC.  Her efforts have resulted in the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies and new revitalized infrastructure.”

Vergos holds a master’s degree in organizational development and behavior from American InterContinental University and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.