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Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Stence, Jr., awards Geri Kohler, NSWC PCD military liaison, with the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, June 13. Kohler manages all active-duty personnel and their administrative functions warfighters to seamlessly mesh and support the mission here while ensuring their operational readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Bob Lindee)

NSWC Panama City Division military liaison enables critical contributions to the fleet
(right) Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Stence, Jr., awards Tommy Chatman with the Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal, April 18. Chatman was a key contributor in acquiring the Standoff Reacquire Identify Detection Expeditionary Navigation Tool (STRIDENT) production contract for NSWC PCD. STRIDENT is a cutting-edge, long-range reconnaissance and targeting system that enhances the Navy's ability to identify and neutralize threats from a safe distance. (U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers)

NSWC PCD engineering liaison streamlines acquisition, accelerates readiness
Christian Weber, the Integrated Battle Problem 25.5 technology lead from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, describes the capabilities of the Disposable Reusable Expeditionary Warfare Underwater Vehicle (DREW-UV) to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Yatsutaka Ebata, commander, Escort Flotilla 2, and Capt. Antonio Hyde, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, during the Integrated Battle Problem 25.5 technology demonstration aboard the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, May 15, 2025. Exercises such as Integrated Battle Problem allow the Navy to demonstrate unmanned system operations in relevant experiment scenarios to meet service level objectives and operationalize unmanned systems and capabilities to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class W. Chase Stephens. Portions of this photo have been obscured for security purposes.)

Navy lab's mine warfare technologies put to the test at IBP 25.5, paving way for future advancements
Nate Waldstein, a member of Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, describes the capabilities of the Barracuda Mine Neutralization System to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Yatsutaka Ebata, commander, Escort Flotilla 2, and Capt. Antonio Hyde, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, during the Integrated Battle Problem 25.5 technology demonstration aboard the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, May 15, 2025. Exercises such as Integrated Battle Problem allow the Navy to demonstrate unmanned system operations in relevant experiment scenarios in order to meet service level objectives and operationalize unmanned systems and capabilities to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class W. Chase Stephens)

Navy lab's mine warfare technologies put to the test at IBP 25.5, paving way for future advancements
Christian Weber, the Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 25.5 technology lead from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, describes the capabilities of the Hangman underwater system to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Yatsutaka Ebata, commander, Escort Flotilla 2, and Capt. Antonio Hyde, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, during the IBP 25.5 technology demonstration aboard the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, May 15, 2025. Exercises such as Integrated Battle Problem allow the Navy to demonstrate unmanned system operations in relevant experiment scenarios to meet service level objectives and operationalize unmanned systems and capabilities to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class W. Chase Stephens. Portions of this photo have been obscured for security purposes.)

Navy lab's mine warfare technologies put to the test at IBP 25.5, paving way for future advancements
Members from the NSWC PCD Standoff Target Reacquire Identify Detection Expeditionary Navigation Tool (STRIDENT) Program receive the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal for enhancing warfighter capabilities, April 18, 2025. (from left) David Trexler, Dr. John Kelly, Steven Roberts, Aaron Burghardt, Joshua Lowe, Jonathan Outlaw, and Christine Livingston (not pictured). (U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers)

NSWC PCD's STRIDENT
Two divers utilize a dual frame Seacraft diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) during operations at sea. The DPV can be used as a linear tow or can quickly be decoupled to transform into a vehicle for each of these divers based on mission requirements. (courtesy photo)

Beneath the surface: How Panama City keeps military divers on the cutting edge
Ricky McNaron, NSWC PCD Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle and Payload Delivery System program manager, receives recognition from (then) Rear Adm. Casey Moton, Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) program executive officer, April 24, 2023. The Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship MCM mission package and AN/AQS-20 Sonar Mine Detection Sets achieved initial operational capability. (left to right in back) Capt. David Back, (then) NSWC PCD commanding officer, and Capt. Gus Weekes, program manager Littoral Combat Ship Mission Modules were also present. (U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green)

NSWC PCD program manager leads, accelerates Navy force generation through MCM USV delivery
Evan Sarantos, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s Expeditionary Sea Base Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence Project lead systems engineer, receives the NSWC PCD FY24 Annual Award for Technical Excellence, March 27. This mission is essential to supporting the Force Behind the Fleet as a crucial element for effective modern warfare in complex and dynamic environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green)

From Navy veteran to C4I expert: supporting the fleet to fuel combat surge readiness
Garrett Flitton, (now) NSWC PCD engineer, tests an attitude sensing system he developed for a tow-fish based sensor package as a Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) program student at Florida Atlantic University, March 5, 2024. He is one of several FAU students who were hired at NSWC Panama City Division through the NEEC program. (courtesy photo)

Program enables collaboration with Florida Atlantic University, provides source for specialized NSWC Panama City Division talent
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NSWC PCD Leadership
Official photo of Capt. Paul Stence Jr, NSWC PCD Commanding Officer. (U.S. Navy photo by Ronnie Newsome)
Capt. Paul L. Stence Jr., USN
Commanding Officer, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
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Dr. Peter Adair, Technical Director, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division
Dr. Peter Adair
Technical Director Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division
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NSWC PCD News
NSWC Panama City Division military liaison enables critical contributions to the fleet
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Stence, Jr., awards Geri Kohler, NSWC PCD military liaison, with the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, June 13. Kohler manages all active-duty personnel and their administrative functions warfighters to seamlessly mesh and support the mission here while ensuring their operational readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Bob Lindee)
June 30, 2025 - Geri Kohler serves as the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division military liaison, and she manages all active-duty personnel and their administrative functions for the Navy lab. Her efforts help these warfighters...
NSWC PCD program manager leads, accelerates Navy force generation through MCM USV delivery
Ricky McNaron, NSWC PCD Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle and Payload Delivery System program manager, receives recognition from (then) Rear Adm. Casey Moton, Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) program executive officer, April 24, 2023. The Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship MCM mission package and AN/AQS-20 Sonar Mine Detection Sets achieved initial operational capability. (left to right in back) Capt. David Back, (then) NSWC PCD commanding officer, and Capt. Gus Weekes, program manager Littoral Combat Ship Mission Modules were also present. (U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green)
June 24, 2025 - The McNaron family arrived in Bay County (then called Washington County) in 1882 and have lived in the area ever since. Today, one member of that family is working to modernize mine countermeasures (MCM) and unmanned fleet...
NSWC PCD engineering liaison streamlines acquisition, accelerates readiness
(right) Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Stence, Jr., awards Tommy Chatman with the Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal, April 18. Chatman was a key contributor in acquiring the Standoff Reacquire Identify Detection Expeditionary Navigation Tool (STRIDENT) production contract for NSWC PCD. STRIDENT is a cutting-edge, long-range reconnaissance and targeting system that enhances the Navy's ability to identify and neutralize threats from a safe distance. (U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers)
June 23, 2025 - Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) has a team committed to serving the warfighter and one of its professionals was recently recognized for his impact. Tommy Chatman, Engineering Liaison Office...
From Navy veteran to C4I expert: supporting the fleet to fuel combat surge readiness
Evan Sarantos, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s Expeditionary Sea Base Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence Project lead systems engineer, receives the NSWC PCD FY24 Annual Award for Technical Excellence, March 27. This mission is essential to supporting the Force Behind the Fleet as a crucial element for effective modern warfare in complex and dynamic environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green)
June 12, 2025 - As a Navy veteran, Evan Sarantos, understands the importance of what force generation, communication and capabilities bring to the warfighter. He has brought that same passion and experience as Naval Surface Warfare Center...
Navy lab's mine warfare technologies put to the test at IBP 25.5, paving way for future advancements
Christian Weber, the Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 25.5 technology lead from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, describes the capabilities of the Hangman underwater system to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Yatsutaka Ebata, commander, Escort Flotilla 2, and Capt. Antonio Hyde, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, during the IBP 25.5 technology demonstration aboard the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, May 15, 2025. Exercises such as Integrated Battle Problem allow the Navy to demonstrate unmanned system operations in relevant experiment scenarios to meet service level objectives and operationalize unmanned systems and capabilities to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class W. Chase Stephens. Portions of this photo have been obscured for security purposes.)
June 11, 2025 - Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) demonstrated its commitment to supporting the fleet by applying its subsea and seabed warfare expertise during Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 25.5. NSWC PCD...
NSWC PCD team awarded for innovative underwater navigation system, bolsters maritime security
Members from the NSWC PCD Standoff Target Reacquire Identify Detection Expeditionary Navigation Tool (STRIDENT) Program receive the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal for enhancing warfighter capabilities, April 18, 2025. (from left) David Trexler, Dr. John Kelly, Steven Roberts, Aaron Burghardt, Joshua Lowe, Jonathan Outlaw, and Christine Livingston (not pictured). (U.S. Navy photo by Anthony Powers)
June 9, 2025 - Members from NSWC PCD's Standoff Target Reacquire Identify Detection Expeditionary Navigation Tool (STRIDENT) Program recently received the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal. This milestone signifies a major...
Beneath the surface: How Panama City keeps military divers on the cutting edge
David Coan, extra vehicular activity lead for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center dives at the Aquarius Reef Base underwater habitat.donning a Kirby Morgan-37 helmet equipped with the Divers Augmented Vision Device Generation 1.0 heads-up display during the 23rd NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations in June 2019.
May 29, 2025 - For the military diver, the unforgiving depths can be a perilous arena. Since August 1, 1882, U.S. Navy sailors have executed essential underwater operations around the globe, from special operations and reconnaissance to...
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NSWC Panama City Division
110 Vernon Avenue
Panama City, FL 32407