PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
To ensure warfighters have the best tools available, both now and in the future, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) is committed to developing emerging technologies. One example is the Standoff Target Reacquire Identify Detection Expeditionary Navigation Tool (STRIDENT), a handheld underwater navigation device that allows explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) divers to complete their missions more effectively.
“STRIDENT enhances fleet capabilities by providing a diver-held tool that supports EOD missions in underwater search, detection, location, identification, mapping, navigation, and exploitation. This is particularly beneficial for mine countermeasure operations near sensitive ordnance,” said Jonathan Outlaw, NSWC PCD Diving, Life Support and Protective Equipment technical program manager. “STRIDENT helps address the threat of sea mines, which pose a challenge to maritime operations and global economic stability. This tool enables warfighters to operate in challenging environments where other systems may be limited, allowing for the neutralization, removal, and exploitation of underwater hazards.”
Dr. John Kelly, NSWC PCD Special Mission Systems Division head, led the team behind the development of this capability.
“The STRIDENT system puts an advanced diving capability, used mostly in the littoral regions, in the hands of the warfighting end user,” said Kelly. “This is important to me because the team is delivering a relevant solution that met a specific operational requirement that could only be achieved by being innovative and understanding its intended use during development, test and evaluation, and integration of the system. It’s the long-term solution that superseded an off-the-shelf tool [that] the fleet procured to fulfill an operational and training requirement.”
This project was the result of an Other Transactional Authority initiative that the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Warfare Centers established to accelerate the development and acquisition timeline to maximize readiness and availability for fleet tasking.
For their efforts and dedication to generating readiness, this team was recognized with the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal.
“It was very surprising…because the team is focused on doing a great job and delivering a solution to the end user. The team was awarded the medal after being nominated by the NAVSEA Program Office [Expeditionary Missions Program Office – PMS 408] that we have been supporting for two decades,” said Kelly. “The supportive team culture that allows this project to be successful is evident every time we gather as a whole unit. No jobs are too small, and [every] teammate contributes great value to the overall schedule and delivery to the warfighter.”
This commitment to providing vital support to the warfighter is a common thread that unites this team.
“It's a privilege to work alongside talented and driven individuals who share a common dedication to ensuring their safety and success,” said Outlaw. “I am grateful for the opportunity that I’m given every day to support our warfighters and contribute to their vital missions. I am humbled…to play a small part in defending our nation and her interests.”