February 8, 2018
CRANE, Ind. – On Jan. 26, Dr. Gerald Manke II, a Senior Program Scientist at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), received a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award at the Pentagon for his nationally-recognized leadership in lasers.
The Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award is the third highest Navy civilian award, and it is given for service or contributions resulting in high value or benefit to the Department of the Navy.
Manke’s honor was attributed to his instrumental efforts in identifying and understanding technical and programmatic issues related to laser technology. According to the award letter written by Office of Naval Research Director, Rear Adm. David Hahn, Manke’s efforts played a significant role in the Government getting its best value and return on investment in this new initiative.
"This award means a lot to me and I'm truly honored to be recognized by Navy leadership,” Dr. Manke said. “It is especially meaningful to me because it acknowledges work that I hope will be transformational for the country's defense. Above all, I'm thankful to family, friends, and colleagues who have been with me every step of the way and who made it possible for me to get where I am today."
“Dr. Manke’s contributions reflect great credit upon himself, the Office of Naval Research, and the Department of the Navy,” Rear Adm. Hahn said.
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with focus areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today’s warfighter.