March 12, 2015
CRANE, Indiana - Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division was privileged to host Vice Admiral William H. Hilarides, Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) on Tuesday. The NAVSEA Commander oversees a global workforce of more than 56,000 military and civilian personnel responsible for the development, delivery and maintenance of the Navy's ships, submarines and systems.
Hilarides spoke at a luncheon during his visit, challenging base leadership to gain a better understanding of NAVSEA and how Crane's workforce can help others within the command. "Most of my Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and program officers know one warfare center, and whatever task they've got they come to that warfare center," he stated.
Hilarides said the challenge is to do as much as we can with the resources we have, so collaboration across the warfare centers is imperative in order to get the most out of every dollar allotted to developing new systems. "There are hard problems out there that need to be solved, but you know how to solve them. You don't even know the problems exist yet, so I ask you to go introduce yourself to the rest of NAVSEA," he added.
While at Crane, Hilarides was briefed on programs within Strategic Missions, Electronic Warfare and Special Missions as he toured the installation to become better acquainted with Crane's recent work in supporting the Navy. He also enjoyed a trip to the Special Weapons Assessment Facility, where he spent some hands-on time with a few of the expeditionary warfare weapons Crane employees provide the Warfighter.
Hilarides has served as the 43rd NAVSEA Commander since June of 2013. NSWC Crane employs roughly 3,000 personnel who provide acquisition engineering, in-service engineering and technical support for sensors, electronics, electronic warfare and special warfare weapons.