By Renee Hatcher
NAWCWD Public Affairs

John Huthmacher, systems engineer in the NAWCWD Advanced Technology Applications Office, was given a Distinguished Civilian Service Award on July 30 for his work in advancing future sensor and weapon seeker programs.

John Pic, director of OPNAV’s Navy Special Programs, nominated Huthmacher for the award for “the cutting-edge technical and leadership contributions he made [that] will operationally transform military capability in the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense, greatly enhancing its lethality and survivability for the next 50 years.” In a ceremony held at the Michelson Lab, Rear Adm. David Dunaway, NAWCWD commander, and Scott O’Neil, NAWCWD executive director, presented Huthmacher the award.

“This external recognition is a real tribute to the very important work that you’ve done,” Dunaway said. “This exemplifies what we are all about at the Weapons Division.”

This is the highest award given to civilians in the Department of the Navy.

“This award is quite an honor and it represents the great work of many people,” Huthmacher said.

His citation noted, “with special focus on advanced radio frequency and infrared phenomenology, Huthmacher led his team in creating the critical research and development technology base for all future sensor and weapon seeker program advances for not only the Navy but also the entire Department of Defense.”

“It was a team effort that got us to where we are,” Huthmacher said. “Our ultimate goal was to make things easier for the Sailor and Marine of the future.”

Photo by John Perrige
Rear Adm. David Dunaway presents John Huthmacher a Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award on July 30.