MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. –
James Goodwin, operations and equipment specialist at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), was presented with the Marine Corps Excellence in Acquisition Support Award Aug. 20.
Goodwin received the award for his support to Marine Corps Systems Command as the Field Service Representative on the MK154 Mod 1. The Mk154 system allows an amphibious breach lane that provides maneuverability for assault forces as they push forward to provide fire and maneuver on enemy defended breaches.
According to Goodwin, he was humbled by the opportunity to receive the award.
“I had first started training Marines on the MK154 in 2008 when I was on active duty. After I retired from the Marines in 2012, the program to modernize the system was beginning to take shape,” said Goodwin. “I was fortunate to be part of a hard working team that was passionate to produce a platform that allowed our warfighters to remain safe at the tip of the spear. It was especially rewarding being able to train the Marines again and support them as they continue to train and operate with the MK154 Mod 1.”
During this period, Goodwin and his team provided support to the Fleet Marine Forces of 2D Assault Amphibian Battalion, 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Blount Island Command, and Marine Corps Logistic Base Albany. This support included equipment training, maintenance support when a system would have breakdowns, installations, and modifications to support Engineering Change Proposals. In addition, the team conducted production acceptance for all 47 units produced by Production Plant Albany. Goodwin and his team also assisted with the production of the Operators Technical Manual and Maintenance Technical Manual.
Goodwin credits his successes to his team in support of delivering solutions to ensure warfighting dominance.
“For me, receiving this award represents a culmination of dedicated personnel across other Warfare Centers who have sacrificed their time and energy; ensuring the Marine Corps continues to have the capability to conduct breaching operations from ship to shore,” said Goodwin. “I am proud to be an employee at NSWC PCD and feel fortunate being able to work with such a professional group of personnel whose goal is to develop solutions supporting the warfighter and make our future battles unfair against our enemies.”