INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) recognized individuals and teams who made significant contributions to the command’s mission during the annual Honorary Awards ceremony hosted at College of Southern Maryland’s Velocity Center in Indian Head, Maryland, August 6.
“We have high performers all over this command. To be recognized as essentially the top 1% of that group is really exceptional. You’re raising the bar for everybody else,” NSWC IHD Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Duba said. “As I look around the room I see commitment, determination and pride that you all bring day in and day out. I want to personally thank you for your service to this nation and for carrying the torch for Indian Head Division.”
“The meaning behind this ceremony runs deep. This is a place where good people do hard things the right way. Even in an uncertain world, we still know what that right way looks like,” NSWC IHD Technical Director Ashley Johnson said. “To those receiving awards today, thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your initiative, for your steadiness and for making us better.”
Command leadership presented 19 awards recognizing the outstanding efforts and significant contributions of more than 60 employees.
SPIRIT OF INDIAN HEAD AWARD – RISING STAR: This award recognizes an employee or student who has less than three years of employment with the command and has already contributed in a significant manner to the mission in their short time with NSWC IHD. The contribution can be proactive initiative to improve execution to include product and process, engagement in additional areas of interest of the command, drive to improve self and their work areas/efforts, and supporting Indian Head as a whole. The employee/student is seen by many as a rising star. This year’s award was presented to Research & Engineering (E) Department’s Raymond Fioravante, Jacob Lutz of Warfighter Defense & System Integration (W) Department, W Department’s Austin Brown, W Department’s Mobarak Wilson, and Danielle Julian-Klier of the Contracts Department.
Fioravante presented an idea that could change the way manufacturing is done at Indian Head, received widespread praise from various levels of the command, sought and gained funding for his project, and executed his SMART Engineering project prototyping deliverables while balancing other significant collateral duties.
Lutz was recognized for a meticulous work ethic that ensures operational capability, adaptability, and compliance with ISO standards. He consistently goes above and beyond, prioritizing the well-being of his colleagues.
In less than two years, Brown has demonstrated exceptional performance in managing COLPRO system maintenance, leading a complex OCONUS project and consistently exceeding expectations. On top of all that, he’s currently pursuing a master’s degree!
In his short time in the close-in weapon system program, Wilson has collaborated with teammates on projects directly affecting the fleet and is already becoming a subject matter expert in developing fields such as Additive Manufacturing.
Julian-Klier has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to Indian Head Division. She has demonstrated exceptional motivation, effectiveness and drive in every task she's been assigned. Through all her efforts, Julian-Klier has showcased extraordinary leadership, ownership and the ability to go above and beyond expectations.
SPIRIT OF INDIAN HEAD AWARD – THE EMERGING LEGEND: This award recognizes an employee who is within eight to 15 years of employment with NSWC IHD and who has directly made multiple, significant contributions to the mission in different areas of the command, Department of Navy (DON) and Department of Defense (DoD) efforts for our mission. This can include increasing the discipline, proficiency, excellence and benefit of the warfighter by taking details to key offices, transfers to multiple areas across the command, and supporting and focusing on excelling the Indian Head mission. The first of two awards was presented to Comptroller Thomas Raleigh.
Raleigh was commended for his 14 years of exceptional service at NSWC IHD. As Comptroller, he has led major financial transformations, including the Enterprise Resource Planning system implementation, and provided data analysis leading to the $2.7 billion Energetics Comprehensive Modernization Plan investment. His leadership, expertise and dedication have strengthened the command's financial future. He is a true leader, mentor and legend in the making.
The second winner of the Spirit of Indian Head Emerging Legend award was W Department’s Kevin Green. As lead AEA for Intermediate Caliber Ammunition, Green has represented the Navy at international forums, volunteered to fill a critical vacancy, and helped the Navy respond to emerging threats through his work establishing the PEGASUS ammunition project. His technical mastery, leadership and dedication to mentoring have not only advanced the mission of Indian Head Division but have also set a high bar for future generations of acquisition professionals.
SPIRIT OF INDIAN HEAD AWARD – THE LEGEND: This award recognizes an employee who has served the Indian Head mission for 25 years or more and has made repeated and significant impacts to the mission’s execution and workforce. Employee has directly made multiple, significant contributions to the Indian Head mission by influencing not only Indian Head aspects, but also DON and/or DoD-related mission areas. Employee is distinguished as a senior leader by peers, the command, and the workforce. Lasting impact and legacy of employee’s career contributions is evident for the betterment of the mission execution now and into the future. This year’s Spirit of Indian Head Legend award was presented to Contracts Department Head Renee Brown.
Brown has dedicated over 35 years to federal service, with 34 years at NSWC IHD’s contracting team, where she currently serves as Chief of the Contracting Office. A respected leader in the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), she ensures departmental compliance with federal contracting regulations, oversees strategic procurement operations, and has guided the department through multiple high-scoring NAVSEA reviews. She's also mentored numerous acquisition professionals, leaving a lasting impact on the Navy contracting community.
Over the past year, Brown led her team through a record-breaking workload of 1,700 actions totaling nearly $1 billion. She championed strategic initiatives, invested in workforce development, and used data tools to drive performance improvements. Her efforts have significantly enhanced acquisition outcomes vital to maintaining a strategic advantage.
ROGER M. SMITH TEAM AWARD: Roger Smith, NSWC IHD technical director from October 1989 until his death in February 1999, believed the ability to work as a team was the key to continued success. This award recognizes team efforts to improve the command’s performance and effectiveness in providing products and services to meet customer requirements. This year’s Roger Smith Team Award recognized the Research & Development Weapon Prototype Team: Michael Allison Jr., Robert Beach, Jamie Brown, Louis Chaverini, Andrew Copeland, Dale Cornette, Alexis Graves, Jacob Jarboe, Anthony Lim, George McDaniel Jr., Zachary McDonough, Joseph Murray, Joseph Olles, Jennifer Ollom, Christopher Ruelle, Adam Sims, Kevin Smith, Veronica Welch and Leo Zuckerman.
When presented with an imminent requirement, this cross-department team hit the ground running. The project faced significant challenges due to rapid delivery request, handling logistics, and making sure engineering and manufacturing activities could execute the schedule without impeding other ongoing operations; however, the team exceeded every expectation for delivery. The team accomplished an impressive feat of establishing a new concept, determining its efficacy and delivering the data package to the customer within an impressive timeline. The successful delivery is a testament to the close collaboration between all elements of the cross-department team and is a model for how NSWC IHD can deliver rapid solutions to customers on expedited timelines.
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS OPERATIONS: This award recognizes individuals whose performance or achievements in business operations are exceptional in nature, have resulted in a significant organizational contribution, and have exceeded expectations for what is required of the position. In general, the individual has helped evolve business operations with a focus on leveraging new opportunities, enhancing mission readiness and achieving execution excellence in the face of a rapidly changing warfighting environment. The 2024 Excellence in Business Operations award was presented to Jennifer Barnidge, the deputy director for the command’s Office of Small Business.
Barnidge’s unwavering commitment to leveraging new small business opportunities has not only enhanced mission readiness but has also exemplified excellence in navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing warfighting environment. Under her visionary leadership, the command’s small business program has undergone a transformative evolution. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her focus on training and mentorship, and her work serves as a model for excellence in business operations, inspiring peers and subordinates alike to strive for continuous improvement and operational effectiveness. Her strategic initiatives have not only strengthened the command's operational capabilities but have also fostered a more resilient and diverse supply chain.
EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY AWARD: This award recognizes an individual or group who made a significant effort to enhance safe work practices in their area. This year, two awards recognize an individual and group whose significant efforts enhance safe work practices in their area. The award was presented to the Integrated Product Data Management Team: David Rivera and Matthew Schrader.
Rivera and Schrader spearheaded the development of the Integrated Product Data Management (iPDM) database, creating a comprehensive repository for safety documentation. The iPDM database allows easy access to critical documents, improves operational efficiency and fosters confidence in safety management outcomes. These improvements not only bolster operational efficiency but also inspire confidence in the project's success and its positive impact on the organization’s safety management system.
Additionally, a second Excellence in Safety Award was presented to Brooke Hainey from the command’s Ordnance Assurance and Safety Office.
Hainey developed a tracking and metrics tool on SharePoint for managing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This tool enables real-time updates and visibility into the SOP workflow within the Safety Office and provides management with detailed metrics to assess the efficiency of the SOP process, which helps identify bottlenecks and enhance overall operational performance while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
EXCELLENCE IN SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AWARD: This award recognizes excellence in systems engineering proficiency as applied to execution of roles within projects or improvements to corporate pillar area processes, tools, metrics and knowledge and is awarded to an individual or group who demonstrate an ability to implement a high degree of technical proficiency in systems engineering to ensure the most effective and efficient methods, tools and proficiency are applied. The award went to Courtney Gamble of E Department.
Gamble’s top achievements include the launch of the military specifications update for all active cartridge-and propellant-actuated devices (CAD/PAD) devices in collaboration with the Naval Systems Engineering Directorate (SEA 05) and the revamping of the Systems Engineering Technical Reviews for CAD/PAD projects. Her drive for system engineering efforts is important to the general success of the CAD/PAD Division and the organization.
EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY EXECUTION AWARD: This award recognizes excellence in applying quality program proficiency during execution as it relates to command quality control systems. Excellence in quality is essential to realizing consistent delivery and demand for products and services. The award was presented to CAD/PAD USN and USAF Age of Energetics Material Leads Team members Yonas Befekadu and Devin Swanson.
To increase the quality of energetic materials and ensure adherence to the age of energetic materials requirement, the CAD/PAD USG team collaborated with the contractor base and industry partners to launch the Energetic Material Recertification Plan program. Their collaboration—as well as the reduction in manpower that has resulted from the implementation of the program—was highly praised.
EXCELLENCE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT AWARD: Project management is the application of leadership, communication and technical rigor — processes, tools, templates and personnel proficiency — to successfully execute project activities to meet organizational and customer expectations. Behind every high-quality project is a project manager who is responsible for motivating project teams and accomplishing project objectives to safely deliver quality products or services that meet customer technical requirements within budget and schedule using effective and efficient methods to execute this disciplined pillar role. This year’s recipient was W Department’s John Hungerford V.
Through his leadership of W Department’s Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Transportation (PHS&T) Division’s Reload at Sea (RAS) Project Team, Hungerford demonstrated exceptional project management proficiency. The PHS&T team made significant contributions to a Navy-wide effort to meet the Secretary of the Navy's aggressive goal to demonstrate capability to reload Vertical Launch System tubes on a Combatant ship at sea in October 2024. Hungerford's project management performance in this vital National interest program was truly exceptional and demonstrates a sustained benefit to the organization, customer and warfighter.
LANCE CORPORAL T. J. HONEYCUTT AWARD FOR FORWARD DEPLOYED SERVICE: The Lance Corporal T. J. Honeycutt Award for Forward Deployed Service recognizes individuals who have or are deployed to a war zone or other forward deployed location providing direct support to the warfighter. This award is named for Lance Corporal Honeycutt, who on October 27, 2010, died as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside IED. The work done at the command is dedicated to helping warfighters protect and defend this county. This includes detecting and safely disposing of IEDs to prevent further loss of life. Honored was Weston Crew of W Department.
Weston is recognized for his forward-deployed support of Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense (CBRD) systems in the 5th and 6th Fleet while stationed at Naval Station Rota, Spain. As the first and only employee stationed in Rota Spain, he has demonstrated superior resiliency and problem-solving skills and communicated at the GS-15/06 level to secure technical workspace for NSWC IHD onboard Naval Station Rota. Additionally, he continued to grow NSWC Indian Head Division's capabilities in the area by qualifying as an on-site installation coordinator to reduce travel requirements during installations of shipboard Chemical and Biological Detection Equipment. His tireless dedication, trailblazing leadership and ability to overcome unique challenges serve as an example to all team members.
INTERNAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD: This award recognizes an employee who has provided excellent service to internal customers. There was an individual and a team award presented at the 2024 Honorary Awards. The award was presented to E Department’s Acquisition Team: Michael Bailey III, Timber Beach, Moussa Diarra, Cordney Galloway, Terrell Hood, Tina Tompkins and Peter P. Truncale.
The E Department Acquisition Team is instrumental in NSWC IHD's molecule to mission strategy. The timely procurement of materials enables command scientists and engineers to create energetic formulations and produce munitions. This increases the Navy's arsenal while maintaining adaptability in procurement methods based on customer needs and required delivery dates.
The procurement team directly supported RDT&E efforts to get IHD-143 across the finish line, helped get U.S. Navy warships deployment-ready in the area of CBRD, and supported dozens of critical test events that transitioned prototypes to multiple combatant commands. The level of professionalism and responsiveness displayed by the team is an example of how we "Outpace our Adversaries."
In addition to the team, the award was also presented to an outstanding individual: Matthew Hanbury of the Corporate Operations Department.
Since coming onboard a year ago, Hanbury has been a valuable asset to the team in his role as the IM Customer Services Project team lead. In his first year, he led the CLIN 500 Stump Neck Latency overhaul and implemented the Everbridge communication system. He also improved team processes by developing the ACTR Request Tool, speeding up response times. His leadership and problem-solving skills have significantly benefited the team and organization.
Newly added this year was the EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AWARD: This award recognizes those individuals who demonstrate exemplary contributions to the development of their colleagues, fostering knowledge management, mentorship, inclusivity and positive workplace culture attributes. The first-ever Employee Development Award was presented to William Shea of the Corporate Operations Department.
Recognizing a critical need to equip Corporate Operations Department employees with essential leadership skills, Shea created a transformative "Leaders Eat Last" inspired leadership program. This 12-week course equipped Corporate Operations Department employees with essential leadership skills through reading, discussions, mentoring and a capstone presentation.
Bill fostered a supportive learning environment, earning high praise from participants for its impact on their personal and professional development. His dedication to employee development has not only enhanced individual skillsets but has also fostered a culture of continuous learning and growth within NSWC IHD, contributing to improved employee performance and morale.
CONTINUOUS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AWARD: This award recognizes efforts resulting in significant improvement made to administrative, business or technical processes accomplished through Lean and/or Six Sigma, yielding benefits in cost, schedule, quality and/or risk. A team award was first presented to Jessica Bartolozzi, Louis Chaverini, James Hume, Tyler Iverson and Jessica Taylor of the Comptroller Department’s Corporate Budget Team.
The group was recognized for their exceptional work in enhancing financial reporting across the command. Their efforts have streamlined processes, improved transparency and enabled better data-driven decisions. Their innovations in financial tracking and execution planning have strengthened budgeting, increased efficiency and empowered leadership with timely, accurate insights. Their contributions have made a lasting impact, setting a new standard for excellence in financial management. Each of their contributions support all three of the command’s strategic imperatives of create, produce and adapt.
An individual award also went to Floyd Pruitt of the Energetics Manufacturing Technology (M) Department who, after being tasked to serve a vital part of the mission for the PMA-280 "Tomahawk" Handling Equipment program, persevered and conquered the challenge with cunning wit and ingenuity. Without functioning equipment, Pruitt single-handedly took on the task of figuring out how to continue to manufacture the product and get it back on schedule. He designed and built a set of fixtures for inspection and layout procedures that substantially increased its output and, thanks to his efforts, output is on track to improve exponentially in the near future!
CAPTAIN H. E. LACKEY AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Captain Henry E. Lackey was the NSWC IHD commanding officer from 1917-1920. This award is given to an individual or team who, on their own time, provides significant contributions to the community. The award was given to Joseph Neuman from E Department.
As a dedicated volunteer with Servants At Work (SAWS) Virginia, Neuman has spent countless hours of his personal time constructing wheelchair ramps for individuals with ambulatory disabilities. His selfless volunteer work has restored independence, dignity and mobility to those in need. Over the past three years, his efforts have transformed lives, enabling safe access to medical care and community connections.
Neuman embodies the essence of community service—giving without expectation, serving without hesitation and restoring dignity where it has been lost. His commitment to volunteering his time to efforts that benefit those in need has made a measurable impact for countless individuals.
A.J. PERK OUTSTANDING OPERATOR/TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR: During his long tenure at the command, A.J. Perk was devoted to providing customers with excellent products and services by “doing the job right.” He was fair, firm, decisive and cared about employee interests. This award recognizes a model employee who serves as an example to others. The award was presented to M Department’s Sibyl Turner.
Through her exceptional dedication and contributions, her reputation for excellence extends across the command, with customers and sponsors frequently seeking her expertise. Turner has played a pivotal role in numerous critical programs, including CAD/PAD, PBXN specification testing, CKU support, CXM production analysis, raw material characterization for multiple production runs and extensive compatibility studies.
Her ability to balance rapid turnaround requests with uncompromising quality standards underscores her dedication to the command's objectives, and her rare combination of technical acumen, enthusiasm and leadership has made her an indispensable asset to the command.
ADMIRAL HAROLD R. STARK AWARD FOR INNOVATION: As the Naval Inspector of Ordnance in charge of the Naval Proving Grounds, Dahlgren, Virginia, and the Naval Powder Factory, Indian Head, Maryland, Admiral Harold R. Stark became the Chief of Naval Operations in 1939. This award recognizes an individual or group who advances the state-of-the-art in their field of endeavor. This award was presented to both a team and an individual this year. The award was given to the M42 HVX Process Development Team: Danielle Bartz, Dr. David Boruta, Stewart Hahn, Dr. Christopher Poff and Dr. Dominique Wozniak.
The team rapidly optimized and matured a new cost-effective process to the explosive, HVX. The new HVX process was matured dramatically over the course of a single year, significantly improving its cost, acid recycling and recovery, and scalability at a full-rate production facility. The team is currently involved in transitioning this new process to pilot scale with industrial base partners to enable cost-effective, full-rate production of HVX.
The individual award was presented to Ronald Zitzman Jr. of W Department, who was recognized for his leadership in developing the EOD Underwater Explosion Hazard Zones Tactical Decision Aid (TDA). He led the NISE project with remarkable dedication, skill and expertise, overseeing the creation of a critical decision aid. His resilience and leadership ensured that the project remained on scope, on time and within budget, all while meeting critical milestones.
JOE L. BROWNING AWARD FOR MANAGERIAL EXCELLENCE: Joe L. Browning was NSWC IHD’s first technical director from 1962 - 1975. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates innovative leadership principles and management skills of coaching and teaming in the development of personnel and their accomplishments. The award went to E Department’s Dennis Brown.
As the Surface System Safety Branch Head, Brown has demonstrated sustained outstanding achievement, innovative problem-solving techniques and expert personnel management skills to accomplish the mission objectives of NSWC IHD’s Surface System Safety Branch and the System Safety Division.
He is focused on mission execution while keeping his finger on the pulse of his workforce, addressing individual needs, promoting education and advancement, and fostering a strong work-life balance, which has resulted in exceptionally high retention. He inspires and mentors both recent college graduates and seasoned military retirees, and is widely respected by his peers and subordinates alike. Brown has set a standard for what it means to be a truly effective and compassionate manager.
DR. GEORGE W. PATTERSON AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT: As chief chemist and powder expert, Dr. George Patterson is remembered for his work during his 41-year tenure, including developing smokeless and flashless gun powders. This award honors an individual for outstanding technical accomplishment supporting the command mission and advancing some area of technology. The award was presented this year to Dr. Alexandra Reinert from E Department.
Reinert has been instrumental in navigating fluctuating DoD priorities to bring promising technology with reactive materials to the cusp of deployment. She has expertly assembled and guided a multidisciplinary team focused on transitioning reactive materials technology from the lab to real-world application, and her vision and dedication have culminated in significant recent successes.
Beyond her technical achievements, Allie is widely recognized as a leading subject matter expert in reactive materials, both within the DoD and internationally. Through Dr. Reinert’s dedication and expertise, NSWC IHD has firmly established itself as a national leader in reactive materials, becoming a sought-after resource for knowledge and innovation in this critical field.
ROBERT B. DASHIELL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: Ensign Robert B. Dashiell was NSWC IHD’s first commanding officer and is known for establishing the facility, including supervision of building and acquisition of staff and materials. He was also a specialist in gun mechanical design and invented the Dashiell rapid-fire breech. This award honors an individual who within the past year has made a significant contribution to the mission or operation of the activity. This year’s Robert B. Dashiell Award for Excellence was presented to Joshua Young from M Department.
As the current lead for all of NSWC IHD’s Cast Rockets Assembly Branch’s Large Rocket Motor programs, Young has demonstrated exceptional perseverance and performance. He has made tremendous efforts in coordinating with different departments and customers while assisting other branches and has also taken innovative steps to bring modern technology into the mix. He strives to demonstrate that NSWC IHD can and will provide the best product for the warfighters.
NSWC IHD — a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command and part of the Navy’s Science and Engineering Establishment — is the leader in ordnance, energetics, and EOD solutions. The Division focuses on energetics research, development, testing, evaluation, in-service support, manufacturing and disposal; and provides warfighters solutions to detect, locate, access, identify, render safe, recover, exploit and dispose of explosive ordnance threats.