NSWC Crane Highlights 10th Anniversary of Career Competency Development Program

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its Career Competency Development Program (CCDP). The program aims to ensure robust development of new employees, helping them move quickly and capably into leadership positions within the organization.

The ceremony highlighted the evolution of the program and celebrated the individuals who helped develop and implement the program over the years and ensure its success.   

“Having CCDP in place has helped us embrace all our new talent and get them very capable very quickly,” said Ms. Lori Zipes, NSWC Crane’s Chief Engineer. “It is nice to see some of our journey level engineers who completed the program excelling in their work supporting the warfighter.”

In the 2010s, when there was an influx of young engineers and scientists coming in to NSWC Crane, leadership saw both a need and an opportunity to invest in their development. NSWC Crane made the decision to create a program that would ensure new hires were well prepared for the unique work of the Navy and to meet the rigorous demands of the Fleet.

“CCDP marked a shift in how we develop our employees from day one,” said Zipes. “It is a blend of activities that is good for our new hires both immediately and long term for their career.”

New scientists and engineers complete a series of learning and experiential tasks over the course of approximately two and a half years. The tasks ensure that they develop their technical acumen and also gain knowledge about how to execute their work for the Navy. “It is admittedly additional work for our employees to complete this program in addition to their direct work, but it absolutely an investment in their ability to perform at a high level, and that’s what our warfighters deserve,” added Zipes.

The success of the scientist and engineer focused program led to the development of similar standards for the Comptroller and Contracts departments.

Work in the DoD is different than work in the private sector,” said NSWC Crane Commanding Officer Rex Boonyobhas. “It was important for us ensure that employees understand those differences from the start.” 

Since its inception, a total of over 1,000 people have graduated from the three variants of the program. The NSWC Crane model has also served as a blueprint for similar programs at other Warfare Centers.  

The ceremony recognized the work of several individuals who made this program a reality, as well as many who keep the program running. A few former employees who have retired were in attendance. Specially minted commemorative coins were presented for the occasion.  

“We are very proud of the legacy of our program,” said Deputy Technical Director Dr. Kyle Werner. “This program is helping develop the next generation of technical leaders build and apply their wealth of knowledge to support our warfighters.”

With 10 years of the program completed, Zipes looks forward to what the future of the program will bring for NSWC Crane. “I think the connections and knowledge and confidence new employees build during the program encourages them strive for excellence. I’m hopeful that will continue for a long time.”

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 Electromagnetic 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.