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NEWS | Jan. 7, 2020

NSWC Philadelphia Division Leaders Encourage Branch Heads to Continue “Expanding the Advantage”

By By Margaret Kenyon, NSWCPD Public Affairs NSWCPD

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) Commanding Officer Capt. Dana Simon and Technical Director Tom Perotti recently shared with NSWCPD branch heads their perspectives from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Leadership Forum (CLF) held in Leesburg, Va. in November 2019.

Both Simon and Perotti capitalized on the CLF’s theme: “Building & Maintaining a Sense of Urgency Across the Enterprise” to encourage the branch heads to continue “expanding the advantage” outlined in NAVSEA’s Campaign Plan 2.0.

Originally released in January 2017, the 1.0 version of the plan established NAVSEA’s mission priorities, as well as foundational lines of effort, both critical drivers for success in supporting the Fleet. In January 2019, NAVSEA re-evaluated its strategy due to the “dynamic nature of today’s global security environment,” according to the 2.0 plan document.

“[NAVSEA Commander] Vice Adm. [Thomas] Moore was adamant about the Command vision, mission and priorities – the concept of ‘Expanding the Advantage’ – which really resonates with us here in Philly. We need to connect to the mission of NAVSEA and connect to the warfighter,” said Simon in reminding NSWCPD branch heads of the plan’s importance.

Perotti highlighted the CLF’s emphasis on bringing an added sense of urgency.

“We have to be targeted about it and do everything with the urgent sense of supporting the warfighter … It’s always good to be aligned with what the CNO [Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday] and Vice Adm. Moore are thinking, and then tying that back to your mission here,” he advised.

Simon and Perotti also relayed key points from several guest speakers who provided briefs during the CLF on topics ranging from generational differences in the workforce to the dynamics of China.

Branch Head Forum coordinator Allison Hollish, who also attended the CLF, mentioned another guest speaker’s focus on “purpose at work.”

“It was made very clear how we fit into NAVSEA as we are on the ships, but how we have to let our younger folks know, especially those without military background or family members in the Navy,” said Hollish, the NSWCPD Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E)/Navigation Networks: DDG 51 Class xDMS branch head. Hollish also serves as section chairperson for the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) Delaware Valley.

After addressing attendee questions, both the Commanding Officer and Technical Director lauded the efforts of branch heads such as Hollish.

“You’ve got the toughest jobs. We need to be able to support you and listen to what you say so you can lead your workforce,” said Simon.

“I know how challenging your jobs are. This is the hardest job in the organization, but you are driving the workforce and our culture,” added Perotti, who appreciated the support.

All branch heads in attendance also received hardcopy NAVSEA Campaign Plan to Expand the Advantage 2.0 booklets, as well as electronic versions of the recently released CNO’s Fragmentary Order (FRAGO) 01/2019: A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority.

NSWCPD employs approximately 2,700 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel doing research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for Navy ships. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.