By Renee Hatcher
NAWCWD Public Affairs

Eleven scientists and engineers from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division were inducted into the NAVAIR Research and Engineering Fellows Program during ceremonies held Sept. 12 at China Lake and Point Mugu.

Capt. Mark Storch, NAWCWD vice commander, and Scott O'Neil, NAWCWD executive director and director for Research and Engineering, hosted the induction ceremonies at both sites.

“I’m in awe of what you do,” Storch said to the inductees at China Lake. “Years ago when I was out in the fleet, I had no idea of the work and the people behind the technology and equipment used in naval aviation. You provide us what is needed to do the job out there in the fleet.”

Rear Adm. Steve Eastburg, assistant commander for NAVAIR’s Research and Engineering (AIR-4.0), announced in July the 39 newest NAVAIR fellows. Six from China Lake and five from Point Mugu were identified as NAVAIR Research and Engineering Associate Fellows for the West Coast.

“Each of our Associate Fellows is recognized as being among the command’s top 3 percent of the technical engineering and science work force,” Eastburg said. “Their contributions, knowledge and expertise are highly respected by peers and leadership alike, and they also serve as role models for others in the organization.”

The six from China Lake who were inducted into the Fellows Program were Jeff Schwalb, of the Systems Engineering Department; Penny Bott, of the Avionics Department; Michael Wirtz, Fred Blomshield and Curtis Kidner, of the Weapons and Energetics Department; and Robert Chapman, of the Research and Intelligence Department.

“I appreciate the opportunity to now be able to associate with the Fellows,” Chapman said.

All of the inductees recognized that they did not arrive at this achievement alone, and gave thanks to the many talented people they’ve worked with over the years.

“I’m having a lot of fun at work,” Wirtz said. “We’ve got it easy; we’re not getting shot at going to work. We have to remember who’s really important. The fleet is looking to us to provide them the means and capabilities to do their job.”

The five inductees from Point Mugu were Mark Kozik, John Morris, Adam Hajost, Thomas Williams, and Long To.

The NAVAIR Research and Engineering Fellows Program was established in 2000 as a peer-oriented technical recognition program for NAVAIR's most experienced and talented scientists and engineers. The program is national in scope and is open to all 6,500 NAVAIR engineers and scientists throughout all competencies at all sites. Members of the Fellows Program provide advice and counsel to NAVAIR's assistant commander for Research and Engineering (AIR-4.0) and serve as advisers and mentors to the engineers and scientists in the naval aviation community.

“Many of our scientists and engineers are nationally and internationally recognized for their knowledge and expertise,” said Dr. Bob Smith, NAVAIR Esteemed Fellow and host of the China Lake induction ceremony. “This program is a way for us to show our appreciation for their distinguished accomplishments.”

The fellows program consists of three technical levels of recognition and one honorary level. The first tier of recognition is the Associate Fellow, selected and recognized at the national department level. There are currently 124 NAVAIR Associate Fellows. The second tier is the NAVAIR Fellow. NAVAIR Fellows are selected by majority vote of the current NAVAIR Fellows and Esteemed Fellows. There are 25 NAVAIR Fellows. The highest level of recognition is the NAVAIR Esteemed Fellow; they are selected by the existing NAVAIR Esteemed Fellows. There are currently 11 Esteemed Fellows.

“This is a great honor for you and all of your achievements throughout your career,” O’Neil said to the six newest fellows at China Lake. “This looks at the history of your accomplishments but I think it’s also a significant sign of the great expectations that we have of you in the future.”

PHOTO CUTLINE

Photo by Dan O’Connor
Six scientists and engineers from NAWCWD are inducted into the NAVAIR Research and Engineering Associate Fellows Program at China Lake on Sept. 12. In the front row from left are NAVAIR Esteemed Fellow Dr. Dan Harris, NAVAIR Fellow Dr. Rod Ditzler, new inductees Penny Bott, Fred Blomshield and Robert Chapman, and Capt. Mark Storch, NAWCWD vice commander. In the back row from left are Scott O’Neil, NAWCWD executive director and director for Research and Engineering, NAVAIR Esteemed Fellow Dr. Bob Smith, and new inductees Jeff Schwalb, Curtis Kidner and Michael Wirtz.