Crane, Ind. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) employee Heather Baladi was recognized with the Department of the Navy (DoN) Civilian Service Commendation Medal (CSCM) for her role as the COVID-19 Director. The CSCM is the fourth highest civilian award in the Navy.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to serve the organization as the COVID-19 director,” said Baladi. She is currently working on a detail assignment at the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense supporting the national COVID-19 response effort. “I view this medal as a testament to all of the hard work and dedication that the entire organization put in to collectively respond to COVID-19.”
As COVID-19 Director, Baladi was responsible for all aspects of the COVID-19 response and provided direct support for NSWC Crane leadership. She established and coordinated sanitizing contract efforts, led the COVID-19 drumbeat for command leadership, and managed the COVID-19 working group. Baladi also coordinated and shared information with other tenants at Naval Support Activity Crane, including the Medical Treatment Facility, regarding policy, contact tracing, cleaning and sanitizing, as well as other COVID-19-related issues. She was also the founder and facilitator of the COVID-19 Warfare Center Community of Interest.
Baladi’s nomination said she, “Brought her abilities as a scientist, a highly competent manager, and a strongly-focused leader to bear on the pressing issues associated with the global pandemic and its effect on the Crane Division.”
“Heather stepped to the forefront of the crisis at NSWC Crane and without hesitation, took on the role of the COVID-19 Director,” said Jesse Beam, a division manager at NSWC Crane. “It is due to her efforts as COVID-19 Director that NSWC Crane has maintained the resources and readiness that has allowed it to meet 100% of mission requirements during the pandemic.”
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.