CRANE, Ind.– Billy Zeck, an Army veteran, currently works at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NWSC Crane). If he could meet anyone - dead or alive - he’d choose John Wayne, as Zeck admires Wayne for his tough-cowboy exterior and straight-shooter personality. One topic Zeck would love to discuss with Wayne is personal motivation. Zeck’s personal motivation comes from a drive to overcome tough challenges and keep the United States safe.
“I am motivated by the satisfied feeling of accomplishing the important and necessary work we do to support the Nation’s Strategic Deterrent,” said Zeck.
Zeck arrived at NSWC Crane in November 2015. Since beginning at Crane, he has served as a Program Lead in the Global Deterrence and Defense Department. His role supports the Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) Strategic Weapons System Shipyard Installation Test Program (SITP) for the submarines COLUMBIA and DREADNOUGHT by providing high-level program coordination and planning as well as programmatic and technical leadership. Key factors in the successful performance of his job include an attention to detail, a desire to continuously improve, and a desire to understand other perspectives.
“One of the keys to success is the ability to work with and recognize all of our stakeholders, their various perspectives and requirements,” said Zeck. “That allows us to formulate the way ahead to achieve program objectives while meeting cost and schedule constraints.”
Throughout his career, Zeck has been fortunate to have many unique experiences, for example, he is one of only two people to ride Submersible, Ship, Guided, Nuclear (SSGN) Sea Trials for all four of the SSGN conversions.
Zeck graduated from Purdue University in 1984 and started his career working for General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. While providing technical liaison support to the Strategic Submarines Program Office (PMS 396), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) recruited him as the cognizant engineer for various Strategic Weapon Support Systems.
Zeck transitioned to SSP in 1997, where he served as the Technical Staff Lead for the SITP in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He then served as SSP’s Deputy Chief Engineer until asked to serve as the manager for a new technical branch to support the Attack Weapon System.
While at SSP, Zeck learned of opportunities at Crane and after 27 plus years of the 45 mile I-95 commute to work in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, decided to return to Indiana and accepted his current position within the Global Deterrence and Defense department. He enjoys the Southern Indiana pace while being able to support SSP’s programs.
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. NSWC Crane is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today’s warfighter.