Crane, Ind. – Andrew Hyden, a branch manager at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), said he tries to use his role to lift others in his organization up. His drive lies in taking care of people and providing the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their careers.
“I want to continue to drive the realization of diversity of thought – and person – in my organization’s makeup,” said Hyden. “I’m passionate about ensuring that any issues I have experienced throughout my career don’t continue to plague those that follow me.”
Hyden manages the Acquisition, Information Technology (IT), Administration, Facilities, Security and Receiving/Operating, Materials and Supplies (OM&S) actions for his division. Before coming to Crane, Hyden earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master’s Degree from Southern Nazarene University. He is currently working on an MBA in Program Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
Hyden has led a varied career, working as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Logistics Management Specialist and a U.S. Air Force Contracting Specialist. He also worked in private industry for a Defense Integration Company and FLIR Systems, both in the UAE.
While in college, Hyden worked in logistics at Office Depot, his first foray into the field. After medically retiring from the US Army, his subsequent positions all related to logistics. When joining the FAA, becoming a logistician just made sense.
Hyden said his ability to adapt has been integral to his work at Crane.
“In my current position, flexibility has been a key to success,” said Hyden. “The work I am responsible for is diverse and requires several technical disciplines working together in an orchestrated storm. Embracing the unique strengths of my team has led to great success.”
NSWC Crane’s close ties to the Warfighter is one of Hyden’s main motivators on the job.
“The ability to stay relevant and linked the mission of the Warfighter helps guard against getting burnt out from a particular project,” said Hyden. “And, the breadth of the mission and technical disciplines on base ensure that you can move horizontally and vertically in your career.”
He said maximizing the abilities he has and using them to contribute to the mission are always on his mind, as is making sure the Department of Defense receives returns on the investments into his development and education.
About NSWC Crane
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission 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.