DAHLGREN, Va. – Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Commanding Officer Capt. Casey Plew called it “a day of awesomeness” at Dahlgren.
Joined at the pavilion with the co-host of the event, NSWCDD Technical Director John Fiore, Plew spoke to more than 1,200 NSWCDD employees – military, government, and contractors – at the first NSWCDD picnic in more than 10 years.
“Welcome to our command picnic,” said Plew as the atmosphere filled with the aroma of hamburgers, hotdogs, and bratwursts cooking on grills. “You’re celebrating the awesomeness of Dahlgren and how great it is to be here at the warfare center. It truly is awesome. I hope you do make the most of this event.”
Indeed, NSWCDD picnic goers made the most out of their time to relax and enjoy the day while picnicking and getting to know each other.
“There are so many awesome things that have happened since I’ve been here,” said Plew who took command on April 24, 2019. “We’ll talk about those things throughout the day and amongst each other. I hope you talk about how great it has been for the year.”
Fiore – one of many volunteers serving lunch to picnickers – also welcomed everyone in attendance.
“This is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other. You can talk to the Captain and I in particular. Ask us any questions you want,” said Fiore.
While some employees danced as the DJ played a wide-range of music, others engaged in sporting events and contests, including corn hole, volleyball, tug of war and bocce ball.
Dozens of NSWCDD personnel lined up for a chance to throw balls to dunk four Dahlgren leaders in the dunk tank.
Meanwhile, Dahlgren personnel were taking selfies with Sasquatch who was seen walking around the parade field throughout the picnic. Eventually, Sasquatch disappeared and Spiderman appeared. Picnickers took selfies with Spiderman and then threw balls to dunk Spiderman who eventually took his hood off, revealing his identify – NSWCDD Deputy Technical Director Darren Barnes.
At one point, NSWCDD picnickers gathered in front of the U.S. Navy 16-inch battleship gun on the parade field to participate in a command photo entitled, “100 Years of NSWCDD Accomplishments”.
Throughout the picnic, command personnel took time to visit the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) table to “show some love” for nonprofit organizations. The campaign is a 58-year federal workplace giving tradition that to date has raised more than $8.3 billion for more than 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations. As one of the largest workplace giving campaigns in the world, CFC raises funds to support people in need around the corner, across the nation, and throughout the world.
“Go and show some love to the CFC folks,” said Plew in his welcoming remarks. “Thank you for everything you’ve done and I look forward to 365 days from now when we do this again. Another great year of awesomeness.”