By LT Mike Randazzo, ASP Public Affairs

For exceptional performance and superior customer service, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) Detachment 0196 was recently selected as the 2002 Air Systems Program (ASP) Unit of the Year.

The award, which is conferred annually to the top command of the program’s 32 units, was presented to Captain Paul Danner, CO, NAVAIRSYSCOM 0196 by Rear Admiral Mark Hazara, Director, Naval Reserve Air Systems Program and RADM Bert Johnston, Acting Commander, Naval Air Systems Command during the recent 2003 Science, Technology and Engineering Workshop held in San Diego.

Based at Naval Air Reserve Center Minneapolis, NAVAIRSYSCOM 0196 is one of the largest in the ASP. The command’s 90 officer and enlisted personnel provide contributory support to four separate NAVAIR competencies including: AIR-1.0, AIR-3.0 and VX-23 based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, MD, and VX-30 operating from NAS Pt. Mugu, Calif.

"During 2002 NAVAIRSYSCOM 0196 delivered more than 19,000 man-hours of essential contributory support for ongoing NAVAIR operations and projects, including key personnel recalled to active duty for Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom," RADM Hazara said. “Quality support to the fleet and to our NAVAIR customers through project support remains our primary objective as we train for our mobilization requirements.”

Specifically, the unit managed and operated a T-56 engine/gearbox reclamation program providing considerable cost savings to the Navy as well as meaningful, hands-on training for enlisted aircraft maintainers. More than 2,000 critically needed engine parts were processed during 2002 resulting in an estimated value of approximately $9 million to the Navy. During 2002, the unit had an unprecedented 100% re-enlistment rate. Noteworthy promotions during 2002 included three Chief Petty Officers, a Senior Chief Petty Officer, and a Master Chief Petty Officer.

"The talent of our ASP Reservists, their professionalism, and their dedication to providing measurable results for NAVAIR is exemplary,” said RADM Johnston. “These fine officers and sailors continue to capture the very best of industry skills, couple them with a deep understanding of military operating concepts, and apply these skills in very demanding and challenging environments.”

The ASP consists of approximately 600 officer and enlisted personnel providing direct support to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) team at its headquarters in Patuxent River, Md., and locations throughout the United States. The Program has 32 units located in 14 states providing in-depth customer support for research and development, engineering, program management, logistics, and industrial capability.

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technologies through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts. From aircraft and weapons development to carrier launch and recovery; from sensors to real-time communications to precision targeting; from aircraft and weapons sustainment to state-of-the-art training; NAVAIR provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to the American warfighter.

For more information please contact LT Mike Randazzo, at 717-279-7068 or via e-mail at [email protected].

PHOTO CAPTION: The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) Detachment 0196 was recently selected as the 2002 Air Systems Program (ASP) Unit of the Year. (Left to right): CDR (sel) Dean Halvorson, LCDR Kevin Dunn, CAPT (sel) Jim Billman, RADM Bert Johnston, CAPT Paul Danner, CDR Tom Sedlack, RADM Mark Hazara, ATCS (AW/SW) Jeff Kirkey, CDR Tom Dumphy.