PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
Ivan Lugo, head of the Expeditionary Systems Division at NSWC Panama City Division, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in 1988. Lugo went on to earn a systems engineering certificate in 2013 from Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and a Master of Science in systems engineering from NPS in 2014.
Lugo began his Department of the Navy career after separating from the U.S. Air Force, where he served until 1992. Roles he has served aboard NSWC Panama City Division include: Public Works utilities engineer; Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) electrical engineer; LCAC systems engineer; Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) systems Eengineer; LCAC Engineering Branch head; deputy department head (acting), Expeditionary and Maritime Systems Department; and currently, head of the Expeditionary Systems Division.
As an electrical engineer and then as a systems engineer, Lugo has provided engineering leadership and expertise in developing and fielding many major performance and reliability improvement initiatives for ALMDS and LCAC Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Navigation & Electrical (C4N&E) systems. Lugo’s leadership as branch manager and now as division manager continue to benefit the LCAC program and U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Maneuver program by shaping an environment of cultural inclusion, actively supporting minority recruitment and retention, and personally involved in mentorship.
“As a Hispanic, I strive to be the best role model I can be for those coming up behind me,” he said. “I want young Hispanic engineers and scientists to see the significant positive impacts they can have on fleet readiness. I also want young Hispanics to see career paths that are possible for them within NAVSEA and NSWC PCD.”