JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ – The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Logistics and Industrial Operations Department recognized members of its workforce during an awards ceremony on the Lakehurst side of base Aug. 23 for their innovative contributions to supporting the fleet.

The 17th Annual Michael G. Simodejka Awards honor the legacy of Michael G. Simodejka, who is credited with establishing the logistics community within NAVAIR and was the first civilian director of the Logistics Competency for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in 1997.

In 2000, Michael G. Simodejka and six other NAVAIR employees were killed in a shuttle flight accident as they were traveling from Lakehurst to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

Assistant Commander of the NAVAIR Logistics and Industrial Operations Department (AIR-6.0) Brig. Gen. Greg L. Masiello was on hand for the ceremony to present the awards to the winning logistician and logistics team of the year from the seven nominations submitted.

Personnel from Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division Orlando, Florida, and NAVAIR Patuxent River attended the ceremony via video teleconference.

“There are some great accomplishments, and you’re only going to hear everybody that was nominated,” said Masiello to attendees, including the Simodejka family, who attend the ceremony each year. “There’s a broad spectrum of great things going on, and in large part that is the legacy that I think you should feel a part of.”

Walter Brzostowski from NAWCAD Lakehurst received the Outstanding Logistics Manager of the Year award.

Brzostowski has served as the design interface and maintenance planning lead on the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and Advanced Arresting Gear programs for the past 10 years, supporting the programs’ genesis from design to fully supported systems on the Ford Class aircraft carriers.

Chris Reymann, NAWCAD Lakehurst 6.0 lead, spoke of Brzostowski’s outstanding efforts and dedication to ensuring work was completed, which often included working after hours.

The Metrology and Calibration (METCAL) Logistics Team from Patuxent River received the Outstanding Logistics Team of the Year award. Team members include Claudia Adams, Elizabeth Baker, Steven Benedict, Gary Hackaday, Preston Harper, Greta Johnston and David Mahoney.

The METCAL Team was recognized for providing innovative solutions to logistics processes that reduced costs and improved fleet calibration laboratory effectiveness and readiness.

The team achieved these solutions by reforming equipment allowancing processes, overhauling the equipment modernization process, and developing and implementing an automated analysis tool to increase efficiency.

“To this year’s award recipients we offer our heartfelt congratulations,” said Pat Simodejka, Michael G. Simodejka’s widow, during her remarks at the ceremony.

“As always, my hope is that the legacy that Mike left is part of the success that you enjoy today. As Mike would say, ‘Well done, team.’”