NSWC PCD project manager leads wartime readiness effort, awarded Navy medal

NSWC PCD project manager leads wartime readiness effort, awarded Navy medal

By Cierra Burch, NSWC PCD Public Affairs

As a part of Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division's (NSWC PCD) wartime readiness efforts, the command participated in a 21-day required exercise led by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), NAVSEA-24 (NS-24). This large-scale exercise, involving all NAVSEA Warfare Centers, Shipyards, Regional Maintenance Centers, and the Washington Navy Yard, including intricate efforts and required a dedicated leader. Enter, Tommy Hosea, the command's Project Management competency lead to fill that role.

"Narrowing down a lead for this exercise was difficult in it itself because this person not only had to be competent in all areas where NSWC PCD supports the warfighter, but also have a specific skillset necessary to lead the many aspects within," said Steve Grant, NSWC PCD deputy technical director. "Mr. Hosea diligently organized, prepared and led all six departments in completing this exercise in addition to his daily responsibilities."

Hosea established schedules including personnel properly certified and equipped to perform the required watch, ensured command and control systems were in place, and trained watch-standers during the exercise.

"Mr. Hosea's efforts in organizing and supporting this exercise were exceptional," said Capt. David Back, NSWC PCD commanding officer. "His leadership, organization, and attention to detail ensured the successful execution of the exercise and accomplished our goal of NSWC PCD demonstrating wartime readiness."

Following the successful event, Hosea was awarded the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal for his leadership and dedication to the completion of the NS-24 exercise.

"I know award packages are not without a significant amount of inertia, so for my supervisors and leaders to feel strongly about pushing the award forward is quite an honor and validation my efforts were value added to NSWC PCD missions," said Hosea. "I was surprised and humbled, to say the least. The event I was recognized for was not the result of one person, but a team of PCD professionals who understood a job needed to be done and worked without complaint."

Some critical aspects of this exercise included watch-standers to respond to numerous injects [situational scenarios] during the 14 days of the exercise including a 48-hour continuous watch. Both aspects required meticulous planning efforts to ensure those on schedule to watch were properly trained and prepared to support, all equipment was available and working, and conflict resolution efforts were in place in a timely manner.

"Maintaining communications is an-around-the-clock endeavor. Events or crises will not likely occur during normal business hours and NS-24 provided an opportunity to refine our processes and procedures to maintain secure communications with the fleet and stand ready to respond," said Hosea. "NSWC PCD has technical cognizance over a myriad of fielded systems and gear where engineers and scientists may be called upon to provide technical information or, in some cases, [the] repair and replenishment of equipment."

All six NSWC PCD departments were involved in the NS-24 exercise demonstrating wartime readiness and direct support of the fleet.