By Staci Mathews
NAWCWD Public Affairs

NAWCWD employee Peter Wolt, of the Solid Propulsion Branch, was recently honored with a Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his work while serving two years on a rotational assignment at the Pentagon as the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration manager for the Director, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations.

During his rotation, Wolt implemented various technologies within OPNAV’s Science and Technology Branch for real world warfighting challenges.

“It is a very effective technology program that delivers technologies to the warfighter quicker then the traditional acquisition processes,” Wolt said.

Wolt’s citation said he demonstrated exceptional professional performance, by collaborating with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and many other services and agencies to enhance future capabilities for both the Navy’s and combatant commander’s warfighting requirements.

“Wolt jumped in with both feet and quickly became a key individual in his assigned office,” said Dr. Larry Merwin, NAWCWD’s Naval Scientist Technical Exchange Program (NSTEP) coordinator. “He learned quickly, was very effective, well respected by Pentagon colleagues, and demonstrated significant personal growth and development.”

Wolt made a personal commitment to the Department of Defense and Navy to evaluate 60 technology proposals, which resulted in the implementation of 20 cutting edge technologies addressing challenges faced by warfighters.

“This experience was very memorable and rewarding,” Wolt said. “It is a great way for engineers to get exposure to the inner workings of the Navy and the Department of Defense.”

Wolt’s experience was in connection with NSTEP, which coordinates rotational assignments for engineers and scientists throughout the Navy and OSD.

“The primary objectives of NSTEP are to promote career development, learn about big Navy through hands-on experience in D.C. and to form a strong network of contacts throughout services and DoD,” Merwin said. “Pete Wolt excelled at all of these.”

PHOTO CUTINE
Photo by Capt. Ron Boxall
Vice Adm. Barry McCullough, left, and Capt. Dan Kowalski recognize NAWCWD China Lake’s Peter Wolt with a Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his work while serving two years on a rotational assignment in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon.