CRANE, Ind. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) employee Andres Narciso was born in New York, but grew up in Manila, Philippines. He returned to United States to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) due to its small size and reputation for engineering. There, he learned about NSWC Crane.
“Crane is definitely very different from what I’m used to growing up, but I enjoy the new experiences and perspectives,” said Narciso.
Narciso works for the Expeditionary Mission Area supporting small arms weapons systems. He said he did not know much about weapons systems when he started, but he has grown to appreciate the field due to the passionate community behind it where people devote their lives to the work.
“My background is in physics, so I was not expecting to work in small arms,” said Narciso. “But, I have developed an appreciation of how multi-disciplinary weapons are. Chemistry, materials, manufacturing, kinematics, and the human factor – they all have to go right for the system to work. It leads to very interesting problems, which, to my surprise, occasionally involves my physics background.”
He also enjoys the technical rigor of the role, which he sees as one of his keys to success.
“As the subject matter experts, we keep the technical rigor in the process,” said Narciso. “Communication is also important. Ultimately, we need to translate the research, development, testing and evaluating (RDT&E) we do into answers that everyone can understand since engineers, operators, and the program office, in effect, speak different languages.”
Narciso said his favorite part of the job is new equipment training.
“I get to go to different armories across the country and teach armorers and operators how to use and service the weapons” said Narciso. “I think it’s meaningful, and I enjoy interacting with the armorers and operators. It helps me take perspective of what I do.”
Armorers do maintenance work on small arms including lubrication, inspection, parts replacement, and kit conversion, among other tasks. Narciso said the relationship with armorers is important because if issues arise, they are likely the first ones to see it.
He said meeting with end users reminds him of the mission behind the work.
“The work can become abstract sometimes, so meeting with users reminds me of the tangible impact we have.”
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.
Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce - from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today's sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at crane_recruiting@navy.mil.