Described as a visionary and leader who is highly resourceful and flexible, Michael Sears, Director of International Programs (AIR-1.4), was recently recognized for his generosity as he was named Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Mentor of the Year for Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Patuxent River at the National Mentoring Month event on January 31, 2019 at the River's Edge Catering and Conference Center, Patuxent River, Md.

Ellen M. Lord, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, awarded the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) the 2018 Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Innovation Award at the Pentagon, Feb. 5.

Naval Test Wing Atlantic honored the test and evaluation wing’s highest achievers during an awards ceremony in Patuxent River, Maryland Feb. 5.

The annual ceremony recognizes the highest military and civilian performers across Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL)’s four test and evaluation squadrons and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. The banquet was presided by NTWL commander, Capt. Thomas Tennant, who opened the ceremony noting the awardee’s portfolios over 2018.

Employees from Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s research, engineering, test and evaluation departments were presented Length of Service Awards in Patuxent River, Maryland Jan. 24.

The awards signifying 25 to 50 years of service were presented by Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Vice Commander, Capt. Craig Lee.

The command recognized significant technical achievement during its 18th annual Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Commander’s and Innovation Awards at Patuxent River today.

“The teams and individuals honored today took on, and continue to tackle naval aviation’s greatest challenges,” said Rear Adm. John Lemmon, commander of NAWCAD. “Their efforts drive us toward realizing our imperatives to revolutionize readiness, increase lethality and develop our talent.” Lemmon is also assistant commander for research and engineering at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Logistics and Industrial Operations Department recognized members of its workforce during a ceremony on the Lakehurst side of base Dec. 6 for their innovation and dedication to supporting the fleet.

The 18th Annual Michael G. Simodejka Awards continued the tradition of honoring Michael G. Simodejka, the father of the NAVAIR logistics community and first civilian director of the Logistics Competency for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

The United States Naval Test Pilot School trains the world’s finest developmental test pilots, flight officers, engineers, industry and foreign partners in full spectrum test and evaluation of aircraft and aircraft systems. The refined combination of classroom, simulation, inflight instruction and mentorship makes USNTPS the most prestigious flight test school in the world. It is the only source of rotary wing test pilots serving as the dedicated test pilot school of the U.S. Army. Notably, the competitive program has graduated more than 90 NASA astronauts to date.

NAWCAD Commander, Rear Adm. Shane Gahagan and Executive Director Leslie Taylor, opened the command’s new Innovation Hub (iHUB) during a ribbon cutting ceremony, Aug. 1.

The iHUB is a new makerspace created to foster and enhance the command’s organic talent in rapid response to Fleet process and technical problems. The facility features prototyping equipment, materials, technical support and training. It is also home to the FabLab, NAWCAD’s mobile suite of digital fabrication and rapid prototype machines.

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division recognized 21 employees for completing the Project Management 101 program during a ceremony Aug. 9 at Point Mugu; 25 more will be honored in a ceremony at China Lake on Aug. 30.  

PM 101 is a locally developed, command-sponsored program that teaches key project management skills and tools. Participants, who can come from anywhere in the organization, complete 80 hours of training in seven classes. Since 2011, more than 550 people have participated in the program.