Coastal Compass - September 2018

September 2018

THE FORCE BEHIND THE FLEET

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

Navy Performs Government Acceptance Test of Towed Mine Hunting Sonar

NSWC Panama City Division

Technical Center of Excellence for Littoral Warfare and Coastal Defense

Coastal Compass | September 2018 | Vol. 6 Issue 8

Capt. Aaron S. Peters, USN

Edwin A. Stewart (SES)

Commanding Officer

Technical Director

About the Publication

The Coastal Compass is published monthly by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) and is an authorized medium for news of general interest about employees of NSWC PCD and their work.

Contents of Coastal Compass are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense or Department of the Navy.

THE FORCE BEHIND THE FLEET

Editorial Staff

The Coastal Compass’ content is provided and prepared by the NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs (Code 1031). For details about submissions, call 636-6168 or email: W_PNMA_NSWCPCD_PAO@navy.mil.

Production Manager

To contact NSWC PCD’s Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline call: 234-4462.

Don McCall Head, Congressional and Public Affairs Division, Code 103 Head, Communication and Community Relations, Code 1031 Head, Visual Information Branch, Code 1032 Head, Technical Information Library, Code 1033

Managing Editor

Connect With Us! NSWC PCD WIKI Homepage

Dan Broadstreet, Public Affairs Specialist

iNFUSION

Staff

facebook.com/nswcpcd

Katherine Mapp, Public Affairs Specialist Susan H. Lawson, Public Affairs Specialist

Design

Haley Walker, Graphic Designer Janice Grant, Print Specialist

Photography

Ron Newsome, Photographer Anthony Powers, Photographer Eddie Green, Photographer 2 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

| Tag your posts with #NSWCPCD

youtube.com/nswcpcdpao W_PNMA_NSWCPCD_PAO@navy.mil

issuu.com/nswcpcd Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division 110 Vernon Avenue | Panama City, FL 32407 W_PNMA_NSWCPCD_PAO@navy.mil

Inside This Issue

06

Feature Story

Navy Performs Government Acceptance Test of Towed Mine Hunting Sonar

10

People of Panama City Division Q&A with Shawn Wilder

View from the Bridge Tech Bytes

Navy Performs Government Acceptance Test of Towed Mine Hunting Sonar

Workforce Connection

4 6 6

8

Welcome Aboard High Grades Tech Screener Corner People of Panama City Division

8 9 9 10

FSU PC and NSWC PCD Collaboration Navy Engineers Accelerate Education through Collaborative Efforts

12

Navy Team Supplies Back to School Internal Quality Audit Diversity Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage

14 14 15

Length of Service

18

Business 12

13

Community 14

On the Cover The September 2018 Coastal Compass theme is focused on Technical Excellence.

U.S. photos by Anthony Powers

Workforce Development 16 Awards 18 Lifestyle 19 Safety 19 Fleet and Family Support Center 19

SEPTEMBER 2018 | 3

Technical Excellence

Since 2011, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) has been strategically focused on improving technical excellence across the organization. Our goals have been increased effectiveness and efficiency of all our service type functions via technical rigor and accountable leadership.

The Chief Engineer and his team have been working vigorously across all our competency areas to establish and improve the technical processes we use every day to ensure first time quality in the products and services we deliver; and the Departments have embedded these processes within our programs.

"[Team], we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”

- Ed Stewart (SES) NSWC PCD Technical Director

We have institutionalized a new Quality Management System and Operating

By Ed Stewart (SES) Procedures; we have deployed a Knowledge NSWC PCD Technical Director Management System that now allows us to develop, document, and improve our processes as we strive to achieve improved readiness. We have established career paths and qualifications for all of our technical competencies to help ensure everyone has the proper training and experience to excel at their assigned tasking and to take more control of their career progression.

You have stayed the course through this shift in cultural values—a long journey that has seen our customer satisfaction soar and the value of the NSWC PCD brand climb to all-time highs. In our next Strategic Campaign Plan, which the Captain and I will roll out to all of you in FY19, we will build on our solid foundation of technical excellence and pursue the goal of becoming a Model Organization—a more complete and perfect extension of technical excellence.

As we prepare for this next journey together, let’s be guided by the words of former Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, who once guided his football team to the highest levels of performance; he said, “[Team], we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”

The Captain and I want to thank you for your commitment throughout this past journey, and for your support and leadership in the journey on which we are about to embark. We are definitely playing a team sport, and working together I know that we will DO GREAT THINGS!

4 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

The Government NEW! Retirement and Benefits Platform

Formerly known as the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS)

EBIS is now off line, and employees are now able to access the Government Retirement and Benefits (GRB) Platform.

The existing location will not change; it remains the same (https://www.civilianbenefits.hroc.navy.mil).

The Platform will continue to provide the same basic functionality as EBIS but with more user-friendly features.

The best news is the Platform eliminates the need for a USERNAME and PASSWORD. Instead, the application authenticates the user’s Common Access Card (CAC), allowing access. However, the Platform remains restricted.

Not only is the CAC required, but employees must also be on a government computer with a .mil, .edu, or .gov email address.

As with any change, we anticipate a learning curve for employees. Therefore, to become familiar with the location of information, we encourage employees to navigate and explore the different tiles in the Platform. For questions, call the Benefits Line at 888-320-2917.

Calendar of

EVENTS SEPTEMBER

11 11 11 15

27 27 28

Communicate with your colleagues.

Connect with other warfare centers.

Discover what's new.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET?

There are many interesting ongoing discussions as people from across both Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers reach out and ask for SME's insight into various technical or community of practice issues. The collaboration is fast paced.

Steps to sign up: 1. Visit https://fusion.navsea.navy.mil 2. Establish an account via CAC 3. Set up your profile (add your areas of interest and expertise, add a photo of you, etc.)

4. Connect with friends using the search bar!

5. Visit the NSWC PCD iNFUSION Homepage 6. Tag your posts with #nswcpcd

Remembrance Memorial Ceremony Time: 8 a.m.

Location: MWR Marina

Retirees/Veterans Special Meal Location: NSA PC Galley

Patriot Day Special Meal Location: NSA PC Galley

Great Navy Campout

Time: 1300 Location: MWR Marina For more info, call 896-0886

MWR Paint Party

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Main Deck Pub and Grille For more info, call 896-0886

Bells Across America for Fallen Service Members Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: MWR Marina

Gulf Coast Bluegrass and Folk Music Festival Sept. 28-29 Location: Aaron Bessant Park

OCTOBER

5 8 8 17 31

Pirates of the High Seas Fest Oct. 5 - 7 Location: Pier Park

Columbus Day Federal Holiday

Panama Jack Paddleboard Classic Sept. 14-15 Location: Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort

World Zombie 3 Mile Run Location: NSA PC For more info, call 235-5811

Halloween Pet Party Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

1408 Harrison Avenue

SEPTEMBER 2018 | 5

FEATURE

Navy Performs Government Acceptance Test of Towed Mine Hunting Sonar

By Dan Broadstreet, NSWC PCD Public Affairs

The AN/AQS-24C Mine Detecting Set Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) In-Service Engineering Agents (ISEA) test team posed for a photo at the conclusion of a successful test event in Panama City, Florida. U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers

6 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

Flight Test crew member of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 shown in flight ready to begin Government Acceptance Testing of the AN/AQS-24C Synthetic Aperture Mine Hunting Sonar. U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers

“I’m thankful to be able to work directly with the Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadrons.

Getting to support and interact with sailors that are making daily sacrifices to keep Americans safe is truly an honor."

- Brett Thach AMCM Test Engineer, NSWC PCD

PANAMA CITY, Florida — Brett Thach, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s (NSWC PCD) Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) AN/AQS-24 Project Engineer, and his team, recently worked in concert with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) to successfully complete government acceptance testing for the AN/AQS-24C Mine Detecting Set.

can use this sonar system, along with the other AMCM systems, to clear the waterways of underwater mines deployed by adversaries.

Thach said working in NSWC PCD’s AMCM branch is extremely rewarding.

“I feel very blessed,” said Thach. “I’m thankful to be able to work directly with the Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadrons.

Getting to support and interact with sailors that are making daily sacrifices to keep Americans safe is truly an honor.”

NSWC PCD is considered the nation’s premier technical center for mine warfare and mine countermeasures. In addition, our geographical location, with near-perfect year-round testing conditions makes us ideally suited for AMCM testing and training.

According to Thach, the success of this government acceptance testing, which took place during June 2018, is quite an important milestone achievement because it marked the completion of the developmental phase of the program and also served as a government decision point for proceeding into the production phase of the program.

“The successful completion of this test event marked the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of good people,” said Thach. As a result, the program management office received the needed approvals to award the production contract; which was awarded to original equipment manufacturer Northrop Grumman Undersea Systems.

NSWC PCD’s AMCM branch serves as the In-Service Engineering Agents for the operational Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadrons, HM-14 and HM-15; which both fly the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter. These squadrons are capable of rapidly deploying anywhere in the world within just 72 hours so they

Members of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 position the AN/AQS-24C Synthetic Aperture Mine Hunting Sonar to ready it for loading aboard the MH-53E Sea Dragon Mine Countermeasures helicopter for at-sea testing in the Gulf Test Range. U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers SEPTEMBER 2018 | 7

Workforce Connection

SUCCESS THROUGH PEOPLE

Welcome

ABOARD New Hires

CODE A

CODE 10

Ronald Becker Kimberly Bowden Susan Bray Emily Dempsey Jade Douglas Joshua Everett Akshita Kapasiawala Emily Little Sandra Liranzo Lyndsey Mandelare Bryan Miller Shelby Scotese Melissa Padgett Joseph Papciak Luke Ridley Jose Rodriguez Mercado Eric Soto Samuel Tate Everett Tyndall Aaron Vu Jared Wampler

A31 A44 A21 A41 A41 A21 A12 A40 A13 A31 A13 A41 A40 A44 A34 A31 A33 A31 A43 A16 A11

Michael Monroe Clarence Stewart

1016 1032

ETHICS TIP

from the Plan of the Week

U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green

CODE E

Joe Bates Steven Dulas Gabriel Fontanez Matos William Haberman Cathy Haynes Richard Hayward Robert Hester Jennifer Louie Nyal Jennings William Jones Corterris Richmond Joshua Simmons Mark Williams Justice Wobser

E23 E51 E13 E34 E10 E41 E26 E41 E23 E25 E23 E41 E32 E24

CODE X

Tyler Balding Sonoell Clark Connor McCoy-Mickelson Thomas Stubblefield

X12 X14 X14 X13

The Department of Defense (DoD) regulations restrict the use of DoD owned and rented vehicles. These vehicles are to be used for official purposes only. When questions arise about the official use of a vehicle, they will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with statutory provisions and DoD regulations.

The determination as to whether a particular use is for official purposes should consider all relevant factors, including whether the transportation is (a) Essential to the successful completion of a DoD function, activity, or operation; and (b) Consistent with the purpose for which the vehicle was acquired. Note that the minimum penalty for the willful misuse of a DoD vehicle by civilian personnel is suspension without pay for one month.

8 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

High-Grade & Supervisory

Promotions

Jonathan Armstrong

William Ifode

The Comptroller Department Head serves as the principle advisor to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Commanding Officer on all financial management matters, implements and administers laws, policies, regulations, directives, and instructions pertaining to the financial operations of NSWC PCD, and ensures the overall integrity and auditability of NSWC PCDs financial data via sound financial management practices.

The Mine In-Service Engineering Activity Branch Head is responsible for the overall engineering, test, maintenance and logistics requirements incident to specific mine warfare systems equipment in the Production and Deployment and Operation and Support acquisition phases of the Quickstrike family of Mine Systems and Submarine-Laid Mobile Mine.

John Hutton

Carmelita Martin

Comptroller Department Head, Code 01

A Department Head The Littoral and Mine Warfare Systems Department Head serves as the lead for development, fielding, and sustainment of mine warfare systems at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division.

Stephen Peffers

Unmanned Vehicles In-Service Engineering Agent Branch Head, Code A34 The Unmanned Vehicles In-Service Engineering Activity Branch Head provides support and technical leadership to the projects in this branch, which are MHU with Q24, MPCE ISEA, MCM MP ISEA and MVCS ISEA.

Mine In-Service Branch Head, Code A12

Assault Breaching Systems Branch Head, Code A16 The Assault Breaching Systems Branch Head manages a diverse technical organization and staff that provides technical direction and fleet sustainment support of Assault Breaching Systems.

Pamela Stampnick

Science and Technology Software Development Lead, Applied Sensing and Processing Branch, Code X24 The Science and Technology Software Development Lead is responsible for leading engineers and scientists in software development by following software development methodologies and best practices, implementing standard software processes and procedures, and incorporating cybersecurity into software engineering practices.

Tech Screener Corner Purchase Card (P-Card) Procurement Request Forms (PRF) submitted for services will be processed by approved Government P-Card buyers in accordance with the P-Card dollar threshold, Simplified Acquisitions and Contracts. The micro-purchase threshold for services is $2,500.

Note if a requirement includes both services and materials, the threshold remains $2,500 if the service performance portion is more than 50 percent of the cost.

PRF questions? Email NSWCPCD_Tech_Screeners@navy.mil.

Info on P-Card service threshold? Contact the APC Office.

Some examples of services include packing, crating, and storage; electronic equipment maintenance, operation, and engineering support; equipment maintenance and repair of equipment such as engines or vehicles, and maintenance or logistical support of a Federal facility.

Don’t forget that quotes are required for all P-Card orders!

SEPTEMBER 2018 | 9

&

PEOPLE OF PANAMA CITY DIVISION

WHAT DREW YOU TO SERVE AT PANAMA CITY?

I was selfishly motivated to provide what I saw as the best opportunity for my growing family. Serving has given my wife the opportunity to develop herself as both a mother and quantitative analyst. My children are close enough to see their extended family fairly regularly. Finally, I’ve been able to grow as a researcher within a schedule that lets me be the father that I want to be.

WHAT IS YOUR PROJECT?

Ground penetrating synthetic aperture radar for autonomous route survey – I am funded by the Office of Naval Research to develop automated target recognition software for voxel imagery with a specific focus on 3-dimensional images generated by ground penetrating radar systems. For this project, I am working alongside researchers from both Lawrence Livermore National Lab and Florida State University.

10 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

Featuring Shawn Wilder

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION?

Around the office, I have received the impression that we are all part of the same team that is working, globally, towards the same ends as different parts of a whole. That we are more likely to succeed by working together and capitalizing on each other’s strengths. In part, this manifests as the willingness and desire, throughout Panama City Division, to support and leverage the work of others. All in all, this makes it, to me, not only a fairly low stress environment, but also one that promotes my professional development.

PCD PROFILE HOMETOWN

Arcadia, Florida

Degrees • • • •

3

years as a Federal Civil Servant

Ph.D Physics Master of Science in Physics Bachelor of Science in Physics Bachelor of Science in Space Sciences/Astronomy and Astrophysics

Department X23 Advanced Signal Processing and Automated Target Recognition WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO HELP OVERALL, HOW DO YOU THINK NSWC PANAMA IMPROVE AT NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION? CITY DIVISION EXPANDS THE ADVANTAGE I would like to advance, or humbly at least maintain, PCD’s reputation BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND HER as a place of quality research. I can help by communicating effectively with sponsors, collaborating with other institutions, ADVERSARIES? publishing my research and representing PCD at conferences.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR OFF TIME?

I take advantage of our location by getting outdoors, visiting local parks, going to the beach and keeping active as a way of staying physically and emotionally healthy, while engaging with my kids and wife. I also like dating my wife when we can get a babysitter or family comes into town to watch the kids. And when the rare opportunity comes along, I also love to simply enjoy rest and relaxation.

I think we are expanding the advantage by working with other research institutions to take the largest technological steps forward. This country is at the top of the list of scientific advancement as measured by its publication volume and citations and this demonstrates technical specialization. By leveraging this specialization by working with other research institutions, we are optimizing the development rate of advanced technology.

U.S. Navy photos by Anthony Powers SEPTEMBER 2018 | 11

Business

CREATING A BETTER BUSINESS CLIMATE

Contracts Specialist Contributes to FSU PC and NSWC PCD

Collaboration

By Dan Broadstreet, NSWC PCD Public Affiars

PANAMA CITY, Florida — Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Contracting Officer and Team Lead Joan Troutman pauses for photo Aug. 24, 2018, while visiting the Florida State University Panama City (FSU PC) campus, in honor of a newly-established academic collaboration between FSU PC and NSWC PCD. Troutman facilitated the cooperative agreement, which resulted in the creation of the Master of Systems Engineering program at FSU PC. Troutman employed her communication skills, procurement expertise, and analysis efforts to assist the program in coming to fruition. The program is a two-year curriculum structured to help aspiring engineers to hone their craft. The course work is also expected to help foster future growth and economic success between Bay County's technical sector and the Navy's engineering community.

U.S. Navy photo by Dan Broadstreet

FIAR

Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness

Every step of the way, people every day throughout the U.S. Navy are involved in the data that is produced, entered into systems, reported on, and used to make the decisions that enable the U.S. Navy to achieve its mission.

During the week of July 16th, NSWC Panama City welcomed a small team of Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) auditors from the Office of Financial Management (FMO) for a site visit to test General Equipment assets and provide audit coaching.

This site visit is part of FY 2018 guidance from NSWC/NUWC Executive Director Don McCormack (SES), as an important step toward Navy audit readiness. The IV&V team tested Existence and Completeness of a sample of assets on the Financial Statements. Existence Testing involved 85 Book to Floor assets and Completeness Testing involved 65 Floor to Book assets.

Overall, the site visit was very positive and gave us some valuable lessons learned in preparation for future audit visits.

Thank you to everyone who supported the visit as these efforts help move us toward becoming audit ready.

12 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

Navy Engineers Accelerate Education through Collaborative Efforts

By Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida – Ten engineers from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) are kicking off a career advancement journey through a collaborative, inaugural degree program at a local university.

NSWC PCD, along with the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)-Florida State University (FSU) College of Engineering at Tallahassee and the FSU Panama City (FSU PC) campus have collaborated to introduce a Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSSE) program.

The purpose of the MSSE program is to provide an opportunity for students to pursue an advanced degree in an interdisciplinary area of broad relevance to the private sector and the Department of Defense (DoD).

Ed Stewart (SES), NSWC PCD Technical Director, said the program will strengthen and expand our Navy team for the future.

“I am grateful to have a local university that is willing to work with the Command to tailor and support an advanced degree program that will enable continuing education for our workforce in this vital area,” said Stewart. “The MSSE Program will also serve as a source for local recruiting of highly qualified candidates.”

One of the ten NSWC PCD personnel selected for the MSSE program is Devin Ramsey, who said she is honored and excited to experience the learning opportunities the MSSE program will provide.

“I am excited for this opportunity because it allows me to attend university courses that are taught locally while expanding my education. As a lifelong learner, the option to have the professor teach in-person is invaluable and a significant reason why I chose to apply,” said Ramsey. “Being chosen by the command as a member of the inaugural cohort at FSU PC is truly an honor and I am very proud to be a part of the Navy team. I believe our work is very important in support of the warfighters defending our country.”

Courtesy Photo

“I am grateful to have a local university that is willing to work with the Command to tailor and support an advanced degree program that will enable continuing education for our workforce in this vital area,” - Ed Stewart (SES) Technical Director, NSWC PCD A majority of the students enrolled in the MSSE program this fall are civilian employees from NSWC PCD. FSU PC intends to evolve the program to ensure it serves the technical community, which continues to increase in the local area. The resulting interaction between faculty, students, and the multiple organizations involved will provide opportunities for technical exchanges and research collaboration. The program will also serve as a recruiting pipeline to these organizations.

This collaboration was made possible by an Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) between NSWC PCD and FSU PC. EPAs are designed to allow DoD scientists and engineers to work with educational institutions from kindergarten through postgraduate level to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education.

The program is heavily focused on providing educational opportunities to the Panhandle workforce, who will be gainfully employed after graduation, which will support economic growth in the area.

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on how to design and manage complex engineering systems over their life cycles. The degree program includes specialized elective courses in related technical domains of critical importance to the Navy as well as many other organizations. Courses will include curriculum related to topics such as autonomous systems, maritime systems, and cybersecurity to name a few.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | 13

Community

LIVING IN THE PANHANDLE

Navy Team Drive Supplies

BACK TO SCHOOL

By Susan H. Lawson, NSWC PCD Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida – Employees of Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s (NSWC PCD) Test and Evaluation Prototype Fabrication Division recently collaborated to collect and provide backpacks and school supplies for children in need within Bay District Schools.

The division collected items to provide backpacks, pencils, crayons, and more to less-fortunate school children.

“It all started with the call for supplies from the school system. We decided we would give back to the community and we came up with the backpacks and supplies,” said Paula Oliver, division administrative assistant at NSWC PCD. For the past four years, the division has collected items for disadvantaged students with this year being the most successful so far. Last year, the team donated roughly 12 backpacks to Beach Elementary. The goal for this year was 28 backpacks, however, the goal was surpassed considerably with a total of 44.

The four elementary schools (Beach, Breakfast Point, Patronis, and West Bay) will each receive ten backpacks and supplies.

U.S. Navy photo by Susan H. Lawson

"When you bring the items to the schools it is so good to see how appreciative they are."

- Paula Oliver, Division Administrative Assistant

The group worked rapidly to collect and distribute the supplies to meet the beginning of the school year deadline. They are extremely proud of the accomplishment and look forward to helping children again next year.

“We constantly do these types of charitable contributions and the hope is that next year this will expand,” said Nicole Waters, engineer at NSWC PCD. The division believes in giving back to the public by ensuring students have the necessary resources. NSWC PCD Scientist Dr. Ben Schlorholtz said, “We are very fortunate to have good jobs working for the Navy and we want to contribute to the community.”

Through the efforts of the collection team, the needs of many children will be met with the donations. “When you bring the items to the schools it is so good to see how appreciative they are,” said Oliver.

Internal

QUALITY AUDIT QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A DEPARTMENT

Congratulations to the following projects that successfully passed their Internal Quality Audit

• Knifefish Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Undersea Vehicle

U.S. Navy photos by Ron Newsome, Anthony Powers, and Susan H. Lawson

• AN/SLQ-37 Surface Sweep

14 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

Diversity Spotlight

Hispanic Heritage

José VElez

By Dan Broadstreet, NSWC PCD Public Affiars

PANAMA CITY, Florida — José G. Velez serves as the Technical Workforce Lead for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN) for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (DASN — RDT&E). Velez works to shape and define Department of the Navy (DoN) policies, strategies, and initiatives, which positively impact and influence DoN’s Naval Research and Development Establishment (NR&DE) technical workforce.

A native of Puerto Rico, Velez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in 1979. In 1985, he received a Master of Science in Engineering Administration from George Washington University.

Velez began his professional career as a Mine Warfare (MIW) systems design engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) White Oak before joining NSWC Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) in 1995. Once aboard, he became the first MIW Technical Advisor to the Surface Navy.

In 1996, he led a multidisciplinary technical team as the NSWC PCD senior technical representative for the DDG 1000 acquisition program. He later joined the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) at program inception contributing to the definition of requirements and operational characteristics. He spearheaded efforts to develop a specialized facility to conduct the integration and certification of LCS Mission Packages culminating in the military construction of a 42,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility at NSWC PCD to support these functions.

José Velez is Technical Workforce Lead for Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test & Evaluation.

U.S. Navy photo by Dan Broadstreet

"At this point in my career I am blessed with the opportunity to focus my talents and experience in shaping the Naval workforce of the future and sustaining the talent and competencies we now have.”

-José Valez, NSWC PCD Technical Workforce Lead for Deputy ASN for RDT&E He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award in 1998 and his 40 years of service pin in 2018.

Velez believes that nothing will provide a better return on investment to our Naval forces than a well-educated, equipped, diverse, and motivated technical workforce.

“At this point in my career, I am blessed with the opportunity to focus my talents and experience in shaping the Naval workforce of the future and sustaining the talent and competencies we now have,” said Velez.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | 15

Workforce Development PCD-University is NSWC Panama City's internal training program.

On-site and off-site courses are offered through PCD-U.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

Current Courses Offered • 10-12 Sept. - SYDMIL 101 • 13-14 Sept. - SYDMIL 201 • 24-28 Sept. - MATLAB

REGISTER

For a list of available courses and to register for classes that are open, visit: http://navsea.navy.deps.mil/wc/supernma/Training/SitePages/PCDU.aspx.

For more information, visit the Training page on iNAVSEA! PCD-U Onsite Training or PCD-U Peer Course Training.

NEW REQUIREMENT FOR

Conference Trip Reports CAPT Peters has directed that conference attendees shall share information with others at the command by providing conference trip reports upon their return. And the Deputy Department Heads Forum has determined that a lead attendee for each conference shall be identified to prepare and provide the conference trip report. A template has been prepared and will be provided during the conference request and approval process Completed conference trip reports, plus guidance to request conference attendance, are available to view on NSWC PCD’s iNAVSEA page below, under Resources / Conference Attendance. https://navsea.navy.deps.mil/wc/surpnma

PAST CONFERENCES

A link has also been added on the People’s Integrated Essential Resource, or PIER. https://wiki.navsea.navy.mil/display/PIER/PC

Upcoming Conferences

Past Conferences

DoN Office of General Counsel Support Staff Workshop 7/31/18 8/2/18 to Going forward, conferences recently attended, plus upcoming conferences that have been requested and approved PAST CONFERENCES attend, will be listed the Coastal&Compass.

Explosives SafetyinSymposium Expo 8/6/18 8/9/18 Federal Workers' Compensation Conference DoN Office of General Counsel Support Staff Workshop Black Hat and (Defense Readiness Condition) Explosives Safety Symposium & Expo Unmanned Systems Integration Workshop & Technical Exchange Federal Workers' Compensation Conference VMWorld Black Hat and (Defense Readiness Condition) Unmanned Systems Integration Workshop & Technical Exchange VMWorld CONFERENCES UPCOMING Synthetic Aperture Sonar and Synthetic Aperture Radar

UPCOMING S1000D UserCONFERENCES Forum & Integrated and Inoperable Lifecycle Specifications (ILS) Day

16 |

Federal Laboratory Consortium Midwest / Southeast Regional Meeting Synthetic Aperture Sonar and Synthetic Aperture Radar Civilian Personnel Law Seminar S1000D User Forum & Integrated and Inoperable Lifecycle Specifications (ILS) Day Microsoft Ignite Federal Laboratory Consortium Midwest / Southeast Regional Meeting International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems Civilian Personnel Law Seminar International Elastomer Conference Microsoft Ignite OCEANS '18 Charleston, South Carolina International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems 176th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America International Elastomer Conference Modular Adaptable Ships OCEANS '18 Charleston, South Carolina 176th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION Modular Adaptable Ships

8/6/18 7/31/18 8/8/18 8/6/18 8/22/18 8/6/18 8/26/18 8/8/18 8/22/18 8/26/18

8/9/18 8/2/18 8/12/18 8/9/18 8/23/18 8/9/18 8/30/18 8/12/18 8/23/18 8/30/18

9/5/18 9/10/18 9/18/18 9/5/18 9/18/18 9/10/18 9/24/18 9/18/18 10/1/18 9/18/18 10/9/18 9/24/18 10/22/18 10/1/18 11/5/18 10/9/18 11/14/18 10/22/18 11/5/18 11/14/18

9/7/18 9/13/18 9/20/18 9/7/18 9/19/18 9/13/18 9/28/18 9/20/18 10/5/18 9/19/18 10/11/18 9/28/18 10/25/18 10/5/18 11/9/18 10/11/18 11/15/18 10/25/18 11/9/18 11/15/18

SEPTEMBER 2018 | 17

Awards

Civilian

LENGTH OF SERVICE

RECOGNIZING ACHIEVEMENT

45 35 30

Richard W. Moore

John M. Pipkin

Christopher A. Sermarini John E. Olafsen Mark S. Dryslewski

Upcoming Awards

• DoD Laboratory Scientist of the Quarter Award (Oct) • Federal Engineer of the Year Award (FEYA) (Oct) • ONR Prize for Affordability (Nov)

20 15 10

Awards from August 2018

Gerald G. Sorrell

Harry S. Kantor Jr Jessie R. Corley Jose R. Pina Jr Michael E. Drumheller Oscar D. Florez Bobby E. Dixon Jr Joshua J. Quillin Brian L. Morgan Joshua W. Jordan Christine E. Ingram Justin D. Rice Darshan W. Bryner Kevin D. Gerber Donald C. Griner Nathan I. Smith Jeremiah S. Mandello Phillip G. Fulks Jeremy M. Greene Steven L. Dunaway Jonathan M. Davis

• ONR Fred E. Saalfeld Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement in Science (Nov) • ONR Dr. Arthur E. Bisson Prize for Naval Technology/Achievement • ONR Captain Robert Dexter Conrad Award

NSWC PCD Employee Selected for

STEM Hero Award PANAMA CITY, Florida – Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Electrical Engineer Jose Fernandez has been selected by Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) to receive a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Hero Award.

The STEM Hero Award recognizes the work of America’s top scientists and engineers for outstanding technical accomplishments and identifies and showcases achievements of the nation’s most talented engineers and scientists within the Hispanic community.

By Susan H. Lawson, NSWC PCD Public Affairs

the various phases of my career, and to the outstanding NSWC PCD and Navy family of which I’ve been fortunate to be part of.”

The GMiS Hero Award will be presented to Fernandez at the National Defense Awards during the 2018 Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference in Pasadena, California Oct. 18, 2018.

Dr. Kerry Commander, NSWC PCD Science and Technology Department Head said, “I am proud of Fernandez’s significant contributions to the development and transition of mine hunting sonar hardware and software to Fleet systems. We are truly honored to have him on our team.”

Fernandez is responsible for developing, evaluating, and demonstrating new sonar technologies for the U.S. Navy. He is considered the Navy’s premier expert in the design of synthetic aperture sonars for the detection of underwater mines and unexploded ordnance.

With over thirty years of experience, Fernandez is considered a leader in his field by enhancing mine detection capabilities with developments and implementation of novel processing techniques.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Fernandez.

“In a larger sense, however, this award is also to my family and the many friends that have guided, influenced and helped me through 18 | COASTAL COMPASS | NSWC PANAMA CITY DIVISION

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Electrical Engineer, Jose Fernandez, shakes hands with Dr. Kerry Commander, Science and Technology Department Head at NSWC PCD. Mr. Fernandez has been selected by Great Minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Hero Award.

U.S. Navy photo by Susan H. Lawson

Lifestyle

CREATING A BETTER BUSINESS CLIMATE

SAFETY

Fleet and Family Support Center

By Pat Beacom, NSWC Safety Specialist, Contributing Writer

Housekeeping for Safety

Most of you probably have house cleaning responsibilities at home. For some of you, it's a regular weekly chore. Whatever the case may be, you'll agree that good housekeeping practices are important at home.

However, what we sometimes overlook is that good housekeeping is a key duty on the job, too. The orderly arrangement of work areas is vital to the safety of all workers, regardless of whether they are involved with machines and tools or with appliances and furniture.

Department of Labor reports approximately

19,500

6,000 17% persons are killed on the job annual in the U.S.

home accidents

of on-the-job deaths are caused by falls, many of which result from poor housekeeping practices

Falls often result from tripping over loose articles, such as tools left in aisle ways and work areas. Wet spots on the floor, or trash and other articles left in stairways also take their toll.

During periods of rain, you know what happens when you and the kids track water into the house from outside. Tracked-in water is a serious problem at work, too. Wet spots cause slips and falls and should be cleaned up immediately, regardless of who was responsible for their being there.

We have trash receptacles placed in several strategic areas, so there is no excuse for waste paper, pop bottles, or other materials being thrown on the floor.

A word of caution, if a bottle should be broken on the floor, don't attempt to pick up the glass with your bare hands. Wear gloves or sweep up the pieces. The same procedure should be used for cleaning up nails and other sharp objects.

Let's face it, it is just a lot easier to do your job when your work area is kept neat. Keep your tools and equipment off the floor and stored in the proper locations. This not only reduces tripping hazards, but protects the equipment you use to earn a living.

from the School Liaison Officer This school year will be marked by many of the traditional signs of children returning to school – fresh hair cuts, new shoes, the latest backpacks, sharpened pencils, and the grateful smiles of loving parents who have longed for that first day of school. Parents with children entering school for the first time may experience some apprehension about where and how to become involved in their young child’s school life. The involvement of a caring adult in the school life of a child cannot be overemphasized. Research has suggested again and again that student achievement can be tied to many factors, one of which is support from home. Many families struggle to balance work demands, family needs, and extracurricular activities. Here are a few simple suggestions which could make a big difference in your child’s success in school:

Communicate with the teacher on a regular basis – Early in

the school year, clarify how information will be shared between home and school and how concerns and problems will be handled.

Volunteer for school activities – Schools, especially middle and high schools, struggle to get enough parent support to sustain programs and events. Your willingness to make yourself available will help create a cooperative working relationship between you and the school.

Monitor homework completion and work together on

assignments which invite family participation - Set a regular time for homework, create an actual schedule, post it where everyone in the family can see it, and stick to it. Find a place within your home where you can concentrate, away from distractions.

Review your child’s daily schedule – Become familiar with your child’s daily school schedule. It will help you understand your child’s day and how it may impact his or her learning.

Although many of these suggestions seem rather simple, they require planning, prioritizing, and commitment. With a little help from home, this could be your child’s best school year ever. Be that parent who makes a difference!

If you have questions about this article or concerns about an educational issue impacting your child, the School Liaison Officer for Naval Support Activity Panama City can be reached at 238-9830.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | 19

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division

110 Vernon Avenue | Panama City, Florida 32407 (850) 230-7400 Distribution A - Approved for public release