NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Eight logistics management specialists graduated from the Navy Acquisition Development Program (NADP) in a ceremony Sept. 29 at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Logistics and Industrial Operations (AIR 6.0) Complex, Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, launching their new careers.

AIR 6.0 Deputy Assistant Commander Todd Balazs, who emceed the event, told the graduates that as much as they have learned from the co-workers and mentors, the NAVAIR workforce also learned from them.   “All of the graduates here have prior military experience,” he said.  “Before you entered the program two years ago, you already had developed leadership skills and passion for supporting the warfighter.  You brought and shared your unique perspective with our workforce.”

One of seven graduates recruited to the program through the NAVAIR Wounded Warrior program, Dwight Laushaw said NADP offered him the flexibility to see what his 32 years working supply in the Marine Corps could bring to logistics.  “I took advantage of every rotation because I wanted to learn about the Navy and see how it does things,” he said.  “NADP allowed me to grow, train and meet other Wounded Warriors.”

Retired Navy aircraft controller Christopher League said that before NADP, he had only viewed the process as an end user. “Before, I didn’t know how in depth it was. This was a great program to learn through experience,” he said.

Mario Haddad, also recruited through the Wounded Warrior program while living in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, credited NADP with giving him a second opportunity to contribute the nation’s defense.  “How the Navy and Marine Corps handle logistics are completely different than the Army,” the former supply specialist said.  “I got to learn from the experts. I want to thank everyone for believing in me.  That confidence is what motivated me to continue to serve.”

In the next phase of their careers, Balazs said, new graduates should strive to nurture current relationships, build up their networks and seek additional mentors to guide them through their careers.  “You will find out that you will cross paths with those whom you have worked with previously,” he said.  “Those connections will always be needed and should be maintained.”

Capt. Timothy Pfannenstein, AIR 6.0 executive director, advised graduates to always keep the importance of their work in focus, especially as they go through difficult times throughout their career.  “Capability comes from NAVAIR.  If it is not right here, the fleet can’t do it out there, either,” he said.  “Lives depend on what you do.”

Laushaw, League and Haddad are assigned to Industrial and Logistics Maintenance Planning/Sustainment Department (AIR 6.7) at the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO); the Logistics Management Integration Department (AIR 6.6) with the Small Tactical Unmanned Air Systems Program Office (PMA-263); and the Logistics Management Integration Department (AIR 6.6) in the Foreign Military Sales Office, respectively.

Jo Hartso-Pretty, Jay Lindsay, Calvin Mack and Doug Olson were also in the graduating class. Hartso-Pretty is assigned to AIR 6.7 in the F-35 Lightning II JPO and Mack is assigned to the Logistics Production Data Division (AIR 6.8.5) for the MQ-4C Triton.  Both Olson and Lindsay will work in Logistics and Maintenance Information Systems and Technology Division (AIR 6.8.4).

Sandra German-Vasquez graduated as an associate and will be working in the Logistics Management Integration Department with the Tactical Airlift, Adversary, and Support Aircraft Program Office (PMA-207).

NADP is a management program that trains and develops future Department of the Navy leadership for up to three years in the areas of finance, contracting, logistics, science and engineering.  Current civilian employees can participate in NADP’s professional development track as associates.