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Junior Navy Scientists, Engineers Develop Integration sion was key to this effort. They provided us with critical insight Capability for Electric into ship power systems that allowed us to reach our mission NAVAL CENTER DAHLGREN DIVISION PUBLIC objective and deliver our final product.” AFFAIRS (JUNE 13, 2019) John Joyce The team of mentors—senior NSWCDD scientists and en- DAHLGREN, Va. (NNS)—It has all the trappings of a best- gineers—ensured a strong focus on technical rigor as they selling Navy technological thriller—six junior scientists and taught the Sly Fox team how to perform under pressure with engineers overcame the odds to develop a new capability limited funds and a six-month deadline. that enables the integration of electric weapons aboard Navy ships. The recent college graduates—Navy civilian employ- “Sly Fox provides an opportunity for an entry-level team to ees selected for a special workforce development program come together, solve real problems, operate within a real bud- known as Sly Fox—verified the veracity of their research and get, and span the systems engineering process from concept demonstrated that their Power and Energy Generation Analy- to demonstration in six months,” said Tony Scaramozzi, Sly sis SimUlation System (PEGASUS) is not fiction. The Sly Fox Fox mentor, who provided guidance as the team developed the Mission 25 team proved the potential of PEGASUS to integrate PEGASUS solution. “A systems view of requirements analysis, electric weapons and electric propulsion systems aboard Navy analysis of alternatives, risk management, development, test, ships in several demonstrations held at Naval Surface Warfare and demonstration are elements of the process.” Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), May 31. Sly Fox Mission 25 team members explained the process “We developed a durable, model-based systems engineering and the background of their mission at the demonstration. capability for use in the integration of electric weapons on Moreover, they wrote an overview on PEGASUS published in Navy ships,” said Josh Hellerick, Sly Fox Mission 25 scientist. a brochure provided to attendees. “This model has the ability to implement multiple different electric system modules, as well as complex mission “As more high-powered electric weapons and sensors are profiles, including firing frequency, duration, power, ship’s pro- added to the Fleet, more ship-board electric power is re- pulsion, ship’s hotel, and power generation systems.” quired; at the same time, electric propulsion systems with their own electricity demands are being adapted,” according At first, Hellerick and his five Sly Fox Mission 25 colleagues to the brochure. “However, naval ship design criteria and in- were strangers to each other, put in a room and tasked as a tegration practices do not exist for integrating high-powered team to do what it takes to ensure the survival and success of electric weapon systems and electric propulsion systems into their Sly Fox mission. They took time to get to know each other, a common hull. These efforts highlight the common issues and including their strengths and weaknesses, while responding challenges of integrating electric weapons onto ships. Sly Fox to the Navy’s need for a tool that enables the integration of Mission 25 was tasked to address this need and developed high-powered electric weapons on naval ships as engineers PEGASUS.” design new ships. The PEGASUS innovation enables this inte- gration via engineering models of combat and power elements At the demonstration, the team discussed the Navy’s previ- coupled with mission profiles to calculate the ship’s power ous efforts to integrate ship service power with electric pro- needs profile. pulsion aboard DDG 1000—lead ship of the Zumwalt-class destroyers, a class of next-generation multi-mission surface “I learned how different personalities can come together or combatants. Sly Fox team members have been brainstorming clash, and that these disagreements contribute to producing a solution since December 2018. Along the way, their collabo- a better system,” said Courtney Fredrickson, Sly Fox Mission ration with subject matter experts from NSWC Philadelphia 25 engineer, regarding the team’s perseverance through long Division—who provided insight into ship power systems and hours and weekends under high stress while developing the delivery—proved critical to mission success. PEGASUS capability that models expected power and energy needs of a specified ship configuration. “We also developed two module libraries—the Weapons Library, and the HM&E [Hull, Mechanical and Electrical] Li- “There were high expectations in regards to our mission since brary,” said Peter Corrao, Sly Fox Mission 25 aerospace en- it was the first Sly Fox Mission to collaborate with another gineer. “By design, the PEGASUS model is highly expandable warfare center,” said Marie Zacarias-Morro, Sly Fox Mission and customizable. We proved this when we implemented an 25 scientist. “The collaboration with NSWC Philadelphia Divi- unmanned vehicle at the near end of our mission.”

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DAHLGREN (May 31, 2019)—The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Sly Fox Mission 25 team in ac- tion while demonstrating a hardware representation of PEGASUS (Power and Energy Generation Analysis SimUlation System) capabilities. The team proved the potential of PEGASUS to integrate electric weapons and electric propulsion systems aboard Navy ships in several demonstrations held at NSWCDD. Left to right: Peter Corrao, Daniel Apolinar, Joshua Hellerick, Courtney Fredrickson, Alexa Thomas. U.S. Navy photo

The team was able to build a set of models, architectures, Moreover, the Mission 25 team followed a rapid prototype data structures, and interfaces that will allow for the devel- development process to assess requirements; analyze and opment of combat system, power and electric system, and evaluate alternatives; design, develop, and test the system; electric weapon and sensor requirements that will then enable and produce the product. In all, six formal systems engineering development and demonstration of better management and technical reviews were conducted on PEGASUS: requirements allocation of shipboard electric power. review, concept review, design review, system test readiness review, demo readiness review, and the final review. “I have a better understanding of the systems engineering process from design, concepts, testing, and demonstration “Throughout my career in industry and government, and as as well as the programmatic aspects of a project such as bud- a systems engineer, program manager, and supervisor, I had get, schedule, and risk,” said Daniel Apolinar, Sly Fox Mission never seen a workforce development initiative for young engi- 25 mathematician. “I will apply the lessons learned both in neers and scientists that is as robust in its design and execution my professional work and outside of work. The best of all is as Sly Fox,” said Bill Walsh, Sly Fox program director. “Looking working with an amazing team and mentors that made this a forward, and working with the CTO [Chief Technology Office] truly unforgettable experience.” and all Dahlgren leadership, we hope to strengthen an already solid program by aligning Sly Fox with the innovative initiatives

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and strategic goals of NSWCDD, and to become a cornerstone Distinguished Executives in the investment that Dahlgren is making in our future.” • Mark D. Andress, currently the chief information officer and director, Information Technology Services Directorate, “I will remember lessons learned through this program for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and formerly the rest of my career,” said Alexa Thomas, Sly Fox Mission 25 assistant deputy chief of Naval Operations for Information mathematician. “Sly Fox has helped me understand so much Warfare. Andress positioned the Navy to combat the in- more about the systems engineering process, and it allowed creasing threat of cyber warfare in its networks, weapons me to touch on topics I never would have seen this early in systems, industrial control systems, and shore facilities. His my career otherwise. Learning how to work on a team like this efforts have resulted in over $2.4 billion of growth in offen- was something I have never experienced previously, and I will sive and defensive cyber above the traditional information always be grateful for this valuable experience.” technology and networks investments, funded through sav- ings from the execution of enterprise information technol- For more news from NSWC Dahlgren , visit http://www.navy. ogy savings initiatives, with $1.2 billion saved over the last mil/local/NSWCDD/. six years and over $1.7 billion projected through 2020.

19 Civilian Navy Leaders Receive FY18 Presidential • Thomas P. Dee, executive director, Office of Special Proj- Rank Awards ects. While Performing the duties of the Under Secretary OFFICE OF THE NAVY CHIEF OF INFORMATION (JUNE 27, 2019) of the Navy, Dee served as the chief management officer WASHINGTON (NNS)—Secretary of the Navy Richard V. of the Department of the Navy charged with leading the Spencer presented 19 Department of the Navy (DoN) civilian Department’s efforts in support of critical change activi- leaders with fiscal year 2018 Presidential Rank Awards (PRA) ties surrounding the transition of the Administration, orga- during a ceremony at the Pentagon, June 27. nizational realignment under Management Headquarters Agency reductions, and business reform initiatives in sup- Executives and senior professionals earned the awards for port of Secretary of Defense priorities. demonstrating significant achievements throughout their careers. • Joseph B. Marshall Jr., principal deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller). Mar- “Your tireless efforts over the past year have restored the shall developed and implemented reform to focus on actual foundation of readiness and lethality to our force. I know your expenditures to improve use of resources; this saved $3 bil- contributions to our mission are sometimes unsung, but they lion for Navy and was immediately adopted by Office of the are always appreciated and never taken for granted,” Spencer Secretary of Defense and extended to Army, Air Force, and said. “Without the executive leaders we honor here today, the all Defense Agencies for implementation in Fiscal Year 2019. Sailors and Marines out in the fleet would not be as ready to take on the challenges of a complex world as they are today.” • Garry R. Newton, deputy commander, Naval Air Systems Command. Newton directed a review of Contract Services Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Spend and Management Headquarters Activities reductions Affairs Greg Slavonic administered the awards for the Depart- that resulted in an annual savings of over $400 million an- ment of the Navy. nually. In addition, he directed the development of an Ad- ditive Manufacturing Technology strategy that has resulted “We are here to recognize and foster success of our civilian in dramatic reduction of cycle times for producing critical workforce throughout the Navy,” Slavonic said. “The contribu- readiness parts for fleet operations. tions and leadership that this group of recipients have made to the national defense are truly transformational.” • Allison F. Stiller, principal civilian assistant secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition). Stiller Two categories of Presidential Rank Award are available: Dis- served as the acting assistant secretary of the Navy (Re- tinguished Rank Recipients and Meritorious Rank Recipients. search, Development and Acquisition), bridging between Distinguished Rank Recipients are recognized for sustained administrations, and also serves as principal civilian assis- extraordinary accomplishment. Each year, only 1% of all senior tant secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Ac- executives receive the Distinguished Executive Award; only quisition), employing her shipbuilding acquisition expertise 5% get the Meritorious Executive Award government-wide. to aircraft, ground vehicles, weapon systems, munitions, space systems, business systems, and support services. The FY18 recipients were:

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Meritorious Executives across the full range and scope of Navy and Marine Corps is- • Dr. Thomas J. Beutner (transferred to Defense Advanced sues, including major acquisition programs, force readiness, Research Projects Agency), former department head of global posture and force employment, as well as manning, Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department, Office of training, and resourcing challenges. Naval Research. Dr. Beutner established the National Naval Responsibility for Sea-Based Aviation at the Office of Naval • Thomas G. Rudowsky, assistant commander for Logistics Research, identifying the unique and critical technologies & Industrial Operations, Naval Air Systems Command. Ru- requiring development to support Naval Aviation. dowsky conceived a history-making engineering challenge to fly an additive manufactured, flight-critical component • Dennis Biddick (Retired), former deputy assistant secretary and provided the technical authority approval for the design, of the Navy (Reserve Affairs and Total Force Integration). printing, qualification and installation, culminating in a highly Biddick was instrumental in obtaining additional authori- successful flight onboard a Marine Corps MV-22 flight test ties to access the Reserve forces in non-contingent envi- aircraft years ahead of initial estimates. ronments (recent responses to hurricanes’ recovery) and development of the framework to redefine duty statuses—a • Frederick J. Stefany III, executive director, Program Execu- major achievement in Reserve Component management. tive Office Ships. Stefany assessed surface shipbuilding in- dustrial base and crafted an innovative acquisition strategy • William P. Bray, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Re- that combined three different procurements in a “combined search, Development, Test and Evaluation). Bray directed solicitation” that stabilized the surface ship industrial base the acquisition and fleet support of the Surface Navy’s 124 while providing a competitive environment to achieve af- combat systems, weapons, sensors, and related interna- fordability targets for each program. tional and foreign military sales programs. This included responsibility for direct execution of $6 billion annually and • Samuel G. Worth (Retired), former deputy director, Naval over $4 billion in international sales, awarding and manage- Criminal Investigative Service. Worth leveraged U.S. Pa- ment of over 100 contracts annually, and direct leadership cific Command (PACOM) funding and re-directed Naval of over 500 civilian and . Criminal Investigative Service resources to increase law en- forcement interoperability training with foreign counterpart • Rebecca K. Cressy, counsel, Naval Sea Systems Command. agencies in Southeast Asia by more than 200%, in direct Cressy developed a new legal framework for analyzing costs support of PACOM security cooperation and force and coordinated it among stakeholders in the DON Secre- protection priorities. tariat, to ensure USS Ford (CVN 78), the first of its class aircraft carrier, was delivered within its cost cap, which is Distinguished Senior Professionals a statutory limit on the amount that could be incurred for • Dr. George Akst, director, Operations Analysis Directorate, construction of the carrier. These and other efforts in this Combat Development and Integration. Dr. Akst organized area have been in direct support of the national goal to in- and led the largest analysis in the history of the directorate crease substantially the number of ships in our Navy and to to support the transition to a fully integrated Marine force improve fleet readiness. that is inclusive of women in all job specialties while main- taining standards and safeguarding the health and welfare • Mark E. Kosnik, director, Fleet Capabilities and Force De- of all Marines. velopment. Kosnik led two of largest Navy organizational realignments in the past 50 years to establish the Service’s Meritorious Senior Professionals two newest type commanders: first, Navy Expeditionary • Frank Putzu, counsel, Naval Reactors. Putzu was selected Combat Command, and second, then Naval Information as senior member and counsel to the Secretary of the Forces. His efforts ensured Navy’s capability to complete Navy’s Strategic Readiness Review to examine stresses on critical missions across the globe by being more ready to the force and culture of operational risk management, train- counter the emerging terrorist and cybersecurity threats. ing, departmental organization, accountability, deficiencies, and lessons-learned in light of recent ship collisions. • William R. O’Donnell, assistant for administration, Depart- ment of the Navy. O’Donnell established cross-component • Earl G. Williams, senior scientist for Structural Acoustics, working groups that involved the Navy, Marine Corps, and Naval Research Laboratory, Acoustics Division. Williams civilian leadership of the Department of the Navy in devel- developed the theory for Nearfield Electromagnetic Ho- oping materials used to inform the incoming administration lography, as a major new tool to diagnose electromagnetic

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signatures that provides three-dimension reconstruction of chine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) solutions for the electric and magnetic radiated signatures. real-world cybersecurity challenges, July 8.

Note: Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service and Defense Naval Systems Command (NAVWAR) Intelligence Senior-Level members are also eligible to receive Presi- and Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Com- dential Rank Awards. munications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I) are spon- soring AI ATAC in part to gather insight and participation from Defense Intelligence Meritorious Executives nontraditional defense vendors, teams, or individuals. While • Michael Waschull (Joint Duty Assignment—current position other government agencies have used prize challenges, this —strategic advisor for the Deputy Intelligence Community is a first for the NAVWAR enterprise. Chief Information Officer [IC CIO] at Office of the Director of National Intelligence), former deputy commander, Office The first-place entry will win $100,000. Second place will be of Naval Intelligence. As the senior advisor for the Deputy IC awarded $50,000. CIO, Waschull drives the development and implementation of the Unified Intelligence Strategy and programs to enhance “We are approaching innovation with disciplined urgency,” intelligence collection, analysis, improved tradecraft, and said NAVWAR Commander Rear Adm. Christian Becker. “This integration across the IC. Waschull oversees and manages prize challenge presents a unique opportunity to cast a wider the conduct of foreign intelligence relationships, and serves net to get the best technology to the fleet faster.” as principal interface with external entities. Managed by PEO C4I’s Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Intelligence Meritorious Senior Professionals Security Program Office (PMW 130), AI ATAC will explore • Mark Assur (Retired), former senior intelligence advisor for the capability for endpoint security products to incorporate Human Intelligence. Assur created a career path for Navy’s ML/AI models to detect and defeat indicators of compromise most highly trained clandestine collectors, optimizing re- from various advanced malware strains. The program office turn on investment through multiple tours in the field and partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a Department in staff positions up to the rank of captain (O6). Assur was of Energy laboratory in Tennessee, which will provide facilities the driving force behind the establishment in 2015 of an and expertise for evaluating the technical solutions. overt tactical Foreign Collection Activ- ity training curriculum, now certified as a joint course. Over The challenge is open to all U.S. citizens and those with per- 575 new collateral duty collectors are now aboard ships, in manent residence status. The open period for submissions squadrons, and with ground forces capitalizing on Navy’s is through September 30. To be considered for the prizes, global presence to produce vital intelligence. entrants need to provide an endpoint security solution and a white paper for evaluation. Winners are expected to be an- The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 established the Presi- nounced in December. dential Rank Awards Program to recognize a select group of career members of the SES for exceptional performance over “We need to get after faster solutions from sectors of indus- an extended period of time. Later, the Rank Award statute was try outside our traditional partners, and we want to lower amended to extend eligibility to senior career employees with any barrier to entry. We believe by sponsoring AI ATAC, we a sustained record of exceptional professional, technical and/ can quickly get new ideas about how we can incorporate AI or scientific achievement recognized on a national or interna- and ML into our cybersecurity tool bag,” said John T. Arman- tional level. trout, PMW 130’s deputy program manager. “This challenge is designed for anyone with AI and ML knowledge—whether The ceremony can be viewed at https://www.dvidshub.net/ they’re from a company, a university, a research institution, or webcast/20506. For more news, visit http://www.navy.mil. even an individual or group of friends who have a good idea.”

NAVWAR Enterprise Launches Artificial Intelligence To learn more about the AI ATAC, including rules, criteria, Prize Challenge; $150,000 Total Cash Prizes Offered and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.challenge.gov/ NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE SYSTEMS COMMAND PUBLIC challenge/artificial-intelligence-applications-to-autonomous- AFFAIRS (JULY 9, 2019) cybersecurity-challenge/. SAN DIEGO, Calif. (NNS)—The Navy kicked off the Artificial Intelligence Applications to Autonomous Cybersecurity Chal- All questions regarding the challenge should be directed to lenge (AI ATAC), a prize competition seeking innovative ma- [email protected].

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PEO C4I provides integrated communication and information R&D Program Manager Receives Innovation Award technology systems that enable information warfare and com- DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Information Operations mand and control of maritime forces. The command acquires, (JUNE 17, 2019) fields, and supports C4I systems that extend across Navy, Sara Moore joint, and coalition platforms. A program manager in DLA Information Operations Research and Development was recognized as a top innovation leader in NAVWAR identifies, develops, delivers, and sustains informa- the Department of Defense by the Asian-American Govern- tion warfighting capabilities and services that enable Naval, ment Executives Network (AAGEN). joint, coalition, and other national missions operating in ­ fighting domains from seabed to space. NAVWAR consists Senthil Arul, who leads the Defense Logistics Information Re- of more than 11,000 active duty military and civil service pro- search Program in R&D, was named one of AAGEN’s Innova- fessionals located around the world and close to the fleet to tive Leaders in Defense at its 2019 Leadership Workshop, June keep NAVWAR at the forefront of research, engineering, and 6 in Crystal City, Virginia. The award recognizes civilian and acquisition to provide and sustain information warfare capa- military leaders from throughout DoD who have embraced bilities to the fleet. More information can be found at ht tp: // and promoted innovation during their careers. www.navwar.navy.mil. For more news from Space and Systems Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/ Arul was recognized for his work on research projects that spawar/. help improve the quality and interoperability of logistics data to streamline DLA operations as well as his work on cyber network resiliency and sustainability groups. Arul is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, where he lectures on quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Senthil Arul (center), program manager for DLA Information Operations Research and Development, receives the Innovative Leaders in Defense Award from Army Maj. Gen. Garrett S. Yee (right) and Arsenio “Bong” Gumahad at the Asian-American Government Executives Network 2019 Leadership Workshop, June 6 in Crystal City, Va. Courtesy Photo

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“Dr. Arul is an outstanding program manager for our Research of technology development programs for the Air Force and and Development Division,” said David Koch, chief of DLA Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which have cul- Research and Development. “He is extremely active in the minated in large-scale wind tunnel demonstrations at govern- community, so it is exciting to see him recognized for his ser- ment and industry facilities. vice to the AAGEN. We are so very proud of him!” In his current capacity, he serves as the principal scientific Arul, who has been a member of AAGEN for seven years, advisor for an organization of over 250 government, military, said he was honored to be recognized by the organization, and onsite-contractor researchers executing the $120 million especially since the awardees were from such a diverse, highly per year portfolio in aerospace vehicle technology. With Til- qualified background. He said he appreciates the award and mann in this role, the Aerospace Vehicles Division has made AAGEN because they recognize the efforts of minorities and several significant research advances that contribute to the ef- promote their involvement in the future of the workforce. fectiveness of the Air Force, including many ground and flight demonstrations. “We in DoD need to be on the leading edge, and the AAGEN organization wants to make sure the upcoming people in the As an activist for the engineering profession, Tilmann is a local leadership positions are uplifted and empowered to make an and regional leader in promoting the future of the engineering impact and bring about positive change,” he said. profession to future engineers through his activism in K-12 Sci- ence, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Innovation has been an important part of his career, Arul said, university outreach. He has organized and led dozens of STEM because he believes in the necessity of change when it comes activities at regional festivals, local schools, and science fairs. to making a difference and achieving the mission.

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’re going to get what you’ve always gotten. You need to look for opportunities to change, either in a small way or a big way, and this country’s all about that,” he said. “That’s why I migrated to this country, and that’s why I went and did my Ph.D. You want to be adapt- able and able to change.”

AFRL Engineer Earns ASME Fellow Honor AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS (JUNE 19, 2019) Jill Bohn WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—Dr. Carl Til- mann, principal scientist with the Air Force Research Labo- ratory Aerospace Systems Directorate, Aerospace Vehicles Division, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Designation as an ASME Fellow recognizes “exceptional en- gineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession.” The title of Fellow has been awarded to only about two percent of over 130,000 ASME members, according to the organization’s website, http://www.asme.org.

A world leader in aerospace vehicle technologies, Tilmann has directly contributed to the development of aerodynamic Dr. Carl Tilmann, principal scientist with the Air Force simulations and experiments, advanced air vehicle concepts, Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate, aerodynamic flow control, and aero-structural interactions. Aerospace Vehicles Division, has been named a Fellow of the His early work in flow-control helped to develop and demon- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). strate many concepts to improve aerodynamic performance Courtesy photo of military and commercial aircraft. He has managed a number

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“I am ecstatic to see Dr. Tilmann receive this well-deserved award,” said Col. Tim West, acting director of the Aerospace Systems Directorate. “Both personally and professionally, Carl personifies the outstanding engineering achievements the ASME Fellows program was established to recognize. We’re fortunate to have him on the AFRL team.”

Tilmann holds a doctorate degree from the Air Force Insti- tute of Technology (AFIT), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. He earned a master’s degree in Mechanical En- gineering from The George Washington University, Joint In- stitute for the Advancement of Flight Sciences, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree from Trine University (formerly Tri-State University), Angola, Indiana.

He has published seven journal articles, multiple U.S. Air Force technical reports, over 40 conference papers, and a book chapter.

Hanscom Employee Captures BIG Award 66TH AIR BASE GROUP PUBLIC AFFAIRS (JUNE 20, 2019) Mark Wyatt HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass.—An Air Force Life Cycle Management Center program manager will receive the Air Force Blacks in Government (BIG) Military Meritorious Service Jacquelynn Coles, Air Force Distributed Common Ground Award at a ceremony during the organization’s annual confer- System Network Infrastructure Transformation lead, Hans- ence in Dallas later this summer. com Air Force Base, Mass., is the 2019 Air Force Blacks in Government (BIG) Military Meritorious Service Award recipi- Jacquelynn Coles is the lead for Air Force Distributed Common ent. Ground System (DCGS) Network Infrastructure Transforma- U.S. Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt tion Acquisition Category III.

She received the award for attributes that “epitomize the quali- According to the nomination, Coles was also a mentor to junior ties and core values” of the Air Force. employees at Hanscom Air Force Base.

“Jacquelynn was instrumental in the upgrades to several Air The period of performance for this award is from April 2018 Force DCGS sites,” said Daniel Hickey, chief of the AF DCGS through April 2019. Coles has been involved in the Hanscom Branch that nominated Coles for the award. “Her extraordi- BIG chapter since 2014. According to the recognition eligibil- nary leadership enabled the program to coordinate and quickly ity, nominees must meet one or more of eight items. Among award contracts that were critical for program success.” them are that “nominees must promote the tenets of civil/ human rights, equal opportunity, human relations, and/or In addition to her performance on duty, Hickey highlighted public service.” Coles’ efforts in the local community. Blacks in Government was established in 1975 by a small “As president of the Ralph F. Browne Jr., chapter of Blacks in group of African-American employees working with the Pub- Government, Jacquelynn led an annual networking event for lic Health Services. more than 500 minority members of the Hanscom commu- nity,” said Hickey. “She also led an effort to donate more than According to the organization’s website, BIG’s goals are to 100 items to local homeless shelters.” promote equity in all aspects of American life, excellence in public service, and opportunity for all Americans.

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Lifesaving Technology Earns Award for Air Force while members of the F-35 Integrated Task Force at Edwards Research Lab Team Air Force Base, California, led the flight-test program. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NEWS (JUNE 26, 2019) David Vergun Kevin Price, AFRL program manager and retired Air Force F-16 The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Automatic Ground Col- pilot, said the team is honored and especially grateful for the lision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) team won the 2018 resulting public awareness, adding that the greatest reward Robert J. Collier Trophy, an award bestowed annually by the comes from the knowledge that pilots have come home from National Aeronautic Association that recognizes “the greatest missions safely due to the development and transition of Auto- achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with GCAS. respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles.” “We are most proud of the precious lives and combat re- sources [that] have been preserved through this revolutionary, The NAA selected the Auto-GCAS team for “successfully lifesaving technology,” he said. completing a rapid design, integration, and flight test of critical, lifesaving technology for the worldwide F-35 fleet,” according Auto-GCAS relies on Global Positioning System and a digital to the award citation. terrain database. The system employs complex algorithms and scans the digital terrain around an aircraft’s current and AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate at Wright-Patterson projected area to initiate an automatic recovery at the last Air Force Base, Ohio, led the development of Auto-GCAS, instant to avoid a ground collision when needed.

Representatives from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System team accept the 2018 Robert J. Collier Trophy in Washington, D.C., June 13, 2019. Photo by Air Force Research Laboratory

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Auto-GCAS saves pilots’ lives by preventing the most com- mon reason for crashes: controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). According to Air Force statistics, CFIT is responsible for 75% of all F-16 crashes. The leading causes of CFIT are spatial dis- orientation, target fixation, and G-force induced loss of con- sciousness.

Since being fielded on F-16 Block 40/50 aircraft in 2014, Auto- GCAS has saved seven aircraft and the lives of eight Air Force pilots, said Mark Wilkins, a senior Defense Department avia- tion safety analyst. Today, more than 600 F-16 Block 40/50 aircraft have the capability. Development efforts are in the works to field the system on an additional 330 pre-Block 40 aircraft in 2021.

In April, the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base rec- ommended that Auto-GCAS be fielded on the F-35 following a series of flight tests. Pentagon officials estimate that this technology will save 40 pilots as well as 57 F-16s and F-35s through 2040.

Besides the AFRL, the winning team included Lockheed-Mar- tin, the F-35 Joint Program Office, NASA, the Defense Safety Oversight Council, and other Air Force entities.

Pioneering Army Researcher Earns Presidential Early Career Award Dr. Nathan Lazarus, an electronics engineer with the U.S. Army U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY PUBLIC AFFAIRS (JULY 9, 2019) Laboratory, is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers for his research in stretchable ADELPHI, Md.—A researcher from the Army’s corporate re- power electronics. search laboratory has received the Presidential Early Career Courtesy photo Award for Scientists and Engineers.

The award, known as the PECASE, is the highest honor be- “I think this will be particularly valuable for me in my inter- stowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and actions with academic collaborators who aren’t always very engineers who are beginning independent research careers familiar with the good research that we do at places like ARL,” showing exceptional promise for leadership in science and he said. “While I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, I also real- technology. ize that my results would not have been possible without help from my colleagues and students, and wish that they could Dr. Nathan Lazarus, an electronics engineer with the U.S. have received the award with me.” Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory (CCDC ARL), does research in stretch- Lazarus’ research in liquid metals and stretchable magnetic able power electronics. materials and inductors has provided an important founda- tion for improving the capabilities of the Soldier, from the bio- “Winning the PECASE is a great honor for me, and I’m still a monitors of today to the skin- or clothing-borne computers little bit in shock,” Lazarus said. “While I’ve always felt that my and radios of the future. work on stretchable electronics is exciting, I’m very pleased that the importance has now been recognized at the highest He has achieved a series of important firsts through his re- level.” search including the first stretchable magnetic core inductor, the first multi-layer liquid metal inductor, and the first dem- The award is open to researchers outside of government cir- onstration of a fully stretchable fluidic wireless power system. cles, and therefore familiar to professors and other academics.

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Lazarus’ research addresses two crucial Army warfighter chal- The CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is an element of lenges: improving Soldier performance and enhancing training the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. by limiting injury. As the Army’s corporate research laboratory, ARL discovers, innovates, and transitions science and technology to ensure As a respected expert in microfabrication and stretchable dominant strategic land power. Through collaboration across electronics, Lazarus has served on multiple National Science the command’s core technical competencies, CCDC leads in Foundation review panels, has been invited to contribute on the discovery, development, and delivery of the technology- future directions in reconfigurable electronics by the Air Force based capabilities required to make Soldiers more lethal to Office of Scientific Research, and has reviewed for numerous win our nation’s and come home safely. CCDC is a major journals. subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command.

In addition, Lazarus has taught a graduate course at The Section Chief Awarded for Process-Improvement George Washington University, advised and mentored stu- Initiative dents and young researchers, and frequently volunteers with U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND a wide variety of local school competitions and science fairs. AVIATION & MISSILE CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS (JULY 9, 2019) Sara Thompson The PECASE and similar awards are important for not only the REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.—A U.S. Army Combat Capabili- recipients, but for the science, technology, engineering, and ties Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC mathematics community as a whole, Lazarus said. AvMC) quality assurance specialist was recognized for his role in developing a process improvement initiative with industry “Research is always about trying to drive science and technol- partners. ogy forward, pushing the boundaries of knowledge,” Lazarus said. “Awards like the PECASE can be a critical moti- vator and help push young researchers like myself to attempt to do great things at the edge of our capabili- ties.”

The PECASE provides validation that the work done by Army researchers matters to an organization like the U.S. Government, he said.

“It is also far from uncommon for a researcher to ex- perience some degree of self-doubt—a feeling that our research doesn’t reach far beyond a tiny community of fellow researchers,” Lazarus said. “Most importantly, I believe in pushing more of our children and young people into STEM fields, and seeing scientists and engineers recognized is very important for outreach efforts in our country.”

Established in 1996, the PECASE acknowledges the contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of STEM education, and to commu- nity service as demonstrated by scientific leadership, public education, and community outreach. Dr. Juanita M. Christensen, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Develop- The awards are conferred annually at the White ment Command Aviation & Missile Center executive director, pres- House following recommendations from participat- ents Greg Clark, CCDC AvMC Engineering Directorate section chief, ing departments and agencies. This year’s recipients the Department of the Army Commanders Award for Civilian Service were honored at a July 25 ceremony in Washington, at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., June 13. D.C. Photo by Joanna Bradley

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Dr. Juanita M. Christensen, CCDC AvMC executive director, duce technologies into depot-level maintenance and repair presented the Department of the Army Commanders Award activities. for Civilian Service to Greg Clark, CCDC AvMC Engineering Di- rectorate product quality management division section chief, The effort began to come together during a conference in during a recent staff meeting. Tampa last December when senior executive service (SES) leaders from NAVSEA’s industrial operations, Marine Corps Due to contract timeline deficiencies, Clark called for team Logistics Command (MARCORLOGCOM), and the Com- leads to participate in an internal review of open contracts. mander Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) for Naval Air Sys- The goal was for CCDC AvMC and its industry partners to tems Command (NAVAIR) agreed to begin collaborating on identify reoccurring issues throughout the contract life cycle. opportunities and programs that, until now, have been handled independently. These multiple independent efforts resulted in A review by Clark’s team uncovered that, because tasks were redundancy, increased costs, and a slower workflow across not assigned from the start, efforts were being duplicated re- these organizations. sulting in increased costs and longer production periods for open contracts. “Depot maintenance providers have many common problems that can benefit from technology-based solutions,” said Janice This discovery led to the development of a broader forum dis- Bryant, director of NAVSEA’s Tactical Innovation Implementa- cussion between federal and industry personnel, led by Clark. tion Lab (TIIL). “A tank is a tank, whether on a plane, a ship, Together, participants developed new and improved processes or a main tank. The elements of inspection, prepara- and strengthened collaboration throughout the contract life tion, restoration, and preservation allow the opportunity for cycle. comprehensive applications.”

“The biggest advantage of collaborating was the opportunity Located on board the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Divi- to share ideas as well as challenges encountered,” said Paul sion, Keyport, the TIIL is NAVSEA’s “think tank,” and seeks Anderson, AvMC ED PQM division branch chief. new ways to streamline efforts and further a culture of af- fordability. One of the many projects the TIIL is working on for The forum further established a platform for better commu- the AST Program are ways to move past the older 19th and nication between AvMC and the Defense Contract Manage- 20th century industrial models. These models evolved during ment Agency (DCMA) teams. Anderson said the combined an era when communications and travel time were far more team developed a synergistic approach on maximizing the restricted than they are today. Every depot and maintenance capability of each organization and will result in an expected activity had to operate relatively independently. cost avoidance of over $650 million over the next four years. Revolutionizing shipyard agility for the 21st century is a task “Leveraging the experience and capability of DCMA will be headed by the strategic project manager, Steve McKee. He and key to reaching readiness goals for Army aviation,” said Clark. his counterparts in COMFRC and MARCORLOGCOM built “We have sent employees to DCMA Mesa to gain additional a team that could collaborate on improving efforts to align auditing skills and perspectives that will allow greater synergy the needs of the multiple agencies through the creation of an between organizations.” initial coordinated sustainment integrated priorities list (IPL).

Clark said his focus is always on the warfighter. And, in keeping “With the agreement from December between the senior with the Army’s top priority, he said he will continue the forum executives, we worked rapidly to converge a group from the and continue to improve processes that positively impact war­ various maintenance depots to Naval Base Coronado,” McKee fighter readiness whenever needed. said. “Representatives from the repair activities and their headquarters met at the end of April and quickly identified NAVSEA Works to Establish Unified Sustainment many common challenges and created collaboration connec- Voice tions that had previously not existed.” NATHANAEL MILLER, NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE CENTER DIVISION, KEYPORT PUBLIC AFFAIRS (JULY 10, 2019) McKee said a site visit in Coronado provided an illustration of Washington (NNS)—Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAV- the need for unity and better communication between the vari- SEA) Advanced Shipyard Technology (AST) Program is at the ous depot-level maintenance organizations in order to increase forefront of an effort to align multiple maintenance centers efficiency and reduce cost. across the Navy and Marine Corps to more efficiently intro-

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“In one instance, we toured a Fleet Readiness Center-South- ment, while increasing the ability of the warfighter to have west [FRC-SW] production work space for cold spray,” said the tools they need when they need them is the definition of McKee. “During this tour, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard was a depot’s mission. surprised to discover that the FRC-SW is using a cold spray repair capability a short distance from the shipyard’s aircraft “This group came together eagerly and recognized huge areas carrier maintenance activity. There was a follow-on discus- of common interest. The creation of the drafted sustainment sion on how to leverage each other’s capabilities for mutual IPL is one of many successes of this budding team. In follow-on benefit.” discussions, we are seeing increased sharing and opportunities to improve maintenance for the Navy. With digital tools, with Leveraging existing capabilities will significantly speed NAV- the motivated personalities, and with the geopolitical environ- SEA’s ability to deliver ships and submarines on time, while ment, we have the opportunity to re-cast and re-jig so we are also facilitating an environment that empowers its people to more agile in support of the Navy mission,” McKee said. develop and implement innovative new ideas for improving the warfighting capability of the Navy’s ships and systems. For more news from Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, McKee said another result of this type of depot-level alignment Keyport, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nuwcd/. will be the cost savings realized by sharing work, tools, and practices that have already been developed across multiple Digital Modernization to Benefit Warfighters, organizations. DoD CIO Says DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NEWS (July 12, 2019) “The team took the opportunity to identify those areas going David Vergun forward where we should be collaborating and where we have Information technology is the backbone of today’s modern common gaps. Specifically, where should the maintenance battlefield and even more important in a constantly evolving activities speak with a unified voice to meet the current and security climate. future demands of the Navy,” said McKee. That’s why digital modernization is more important than ever. The team created a draft sustainment IPL to support Navy To usher in digital modernization, the DoD chief information depot operations. This IPL identifies eight initial priority items officer has launched the first Digital Modernization Strategy, ranked by the depots. This will allow them to approach Navy underpinned by four modernization pillars: cloud; artificial in- leadership with a unified voice when discussing capability telligence; command, control, and communications, known as needs. C3; and cybersecurity.

“The highest priority gap identified by the team was develop- First, DoD Chief Information Officer Dana Deasy said, an ing expanded expeditionary maintenance capability. We want enterprise cloud will be created that will enable information to be able to fix items as far forward as we can without having sharing across the entire military and most importantly, to the to bring them back to our depot sites,” said McKee. warfighters on the tactical edge. Also, the enterprise cloud will deliver the next generation of applications that the warfighters The team’s eventual goal is to build containers filled with will need to succeed. mobile, depot-level maintenance equipment able to deploy around the world. These containers, with a remotely con- Second, for the enterprise cloud to effectively and efficiently nected team of technicians, could then complete repairs of enable information sharing on a vast scale, it will be powered ships and other assets without having to bring the assets back by artificial intelligence and machine learning. to the U.S. for work. McKee pointed to long-standing capa- bilities to remotely operate and maintain deployed unmanned To develop and deliver AI to the enterprise cloud, DoD needed aircraft with depot-level support as an example of the success to create the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, known as the of such expeditionary efforts. JAIC, Deasy said.

Partnering between the various depots and commands like The JAIC “will be used by all the Services, which will be the NAVSEA, COMFRC, and MARCORLOGCOM creates an op- way in which we start to create new AI solutions at scale that portunity for all parties involved to significantly reduce costs can be used across the department,” he added. while speeding up response time and improving support of the warfighters. In the world of tight budgets and limited re- Third, is the ability to communicate to the warfighter with C3, sources, increasing affordability alone is a major accomplish- Deasy said, which is “how do we ensure that we can get the

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“Created as a research proj- ect at the Air Force Institute of Technology, the gen- esis of the educational hub was born in 2017 at the Air Force CyberWorx located at the United States Air Force Academy when the task was assigned to come up with innovative ideas on how we can better educate our Air- men,” said Matthew Dever, Air Force Cyberspace Tech- nical Center of Excellence, assistant to the director.

Retired Lt. Col. Mark Reith, who was the Center for Cyber Research director at the time and now an assis- tant professor of Cyber Sys- Marine Cpl. Andrew Goldthorpe, left, a chief scout, and Marine Cpl. Tony Todd, a scout section tems, took that opportunity leader, both with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team, 11th Marine as a research project for his Expeditionary Unit, set frequencies on an RT 1949 radio aboard the amphibious transport dock graduate students at AFIT. ship USS John P. Murtha in the Pacific Ocean, March 25, 2019. Photo by Marine Lance Cpl. Israel Chincio Assembling a cadre of re- search engineers and pair- ing them with students, the end results from our cloud, from our AI solutions out to the research team started from tactical edge, out to the warfighter.” mock-up designs, user story, and three-by-five feature cards.

Fourth, to prevent the department’s technology from being “Lt. Landon Tomcho and Capt. Seth ‘Data’ Martin, both gradu- compromised, it must be protected by defensive and ate students at the time, were key leaders shaping the look, cyber capability, he said, noting that the Defense Department feel, and functionality of the Cyber Education Hub,” said Reith. must be resilient when dealing with inevitable attacks from “They worked closely with our program manager, Rob Rose- adversaries. man, our senior developer, Rick Kroll, and our graphics expert, Stacy Burns, to fashion something that our newest generation “The Digital Modernization Strategy is all about the war-​ of Airmen would find exciting and engaging.” fighter,” Deasy said. “In everything we’re building, we’re al- ways challenging ourselves and asking: ‘Are we doing this in Dever said to his knowledge, the education hub is the first ap- the most thoughtful way that’s going to enable the warfighter plication in the Air Force that is natively built onto the cloud, to be successful?’” whereas others are moved to the cloud.

AFIT Research Project Evolves into Innovative “In this case, we used Amazon Web Services to build the hub Training onto the government cloud,” said Dever. “And because the 88TH AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS (JULY 23, 2019) cloud is approved by the Department of Defense and is used Stacey Geiger for the Air Force, the information is safe and secure. We are WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—To have an serving as a pathfinder. Air Force and DoD say we need to agile Air Force, Airmen readiness is paramount and a new move to the cloud, but no one seems to know what kind of revolutionary education hub that can deliver the most current, effort it’s going to take, what is the cost, and what services relevant, and interactive training just might be the way of the can we legitimately use.” future for the warfighter.

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“My students then fleshed out a research project to determine “As long as you complete the task, you can choose and pick what would be the best way to improve user motivation and whichever video resonates with you the best,” said Reith. “We engagement,” said Reith. “In collaboration with Air Force Cyber all have different learning styles so why enforce a cookie-cutter College, we looked at existing cyber education content and mentality?” found it too steep of a learning curve.” After the hub prototype was created and tested in select orga- Having a layout similar to Netflix or YouTube, Reith and Dever nizations, Dever said the hub was so well received that most said the familiarity of the two makes it easier for a user to of those organizations have since asked for one to be built for navigate and use the hub. The hub offers videos on a vast array their respective organizations. of topics to view. And instead of making the hub organization- specific, the hub is developed to be topic-specific. Dever said although they were surprised by the requests, it was also the evolution of the hub. “In this case, because we are cyber, we created the prototype to cover cyber-related information,” said Reith. “Cyber crosses Currently, this team is now working to revise the architecture to across all the different organizations and career fields; every- promote representation of multiple topics on this technology. one needs to know about cyber. And the more you think about It would allow users to share and view not just cyber content, it, acquisitions and leadership are that way too, so why are we but those of acquisition, leadership, recruiting, or any number not doing more to share across those stovepipes? of other topics. “We hope that if Airmen do not like the con- tent, they will build new content,” said Reith. “Especially with “Unlike the Advanced Distribution Learning Service where the our junior Airmen, who are very engaged and motivated, the training is curated and information requires vetting before it hub will allow them to show off their skills. We want you to can go on the site, the hub can provide up-to-date, job-specific participate, and that is the beauty of it; build something that information,” said Reith. “It creates a more flexible and agile you want to watch!” workforce.” ANMC Earns Business Excellence Milestone Award Another benefit to the hub is that Airmen are empowered to U.S. ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND NEWS (JULY 26, 2019) contribute. Reith said Airmen have the ability to comment on Jennifer Bacchus videos and create their own topic-specific videos. ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala.—The Anniston Munitions Center was awarded an Oliver Wight Class A Milestone Award “The hub gives Airmen a huge sense of discovery and au- July 11 for successfully creating a new Sales and Operations tonomy,” said Reith. “They are really powerful motivators to Planning (S&OP) process. learning, and when you feel like you are in control, you actually learn!” Oliver Wight is a consultation company specializing in busi- ness improvement. The hub also provides topic maps and a knowledge, skills, and ability (KSA) tree that helps Airmen navigate through the hub This award demonstrates ANMC meets their highest stan- and find their required training. For example, if an Airman is dards of business excellence. There are three forms for the new to cyber and not sure what to look for, the topic map will Class A award: the Milestone award, the Business Unit Class give a visual representation of the major topics, and there is A Accreditation, and the full Class A award. A full Oliver Wight a path between topics. Airmen can then work toward topics Class A award is achieved when an entire enterprise meets all that make sense to them and what they want to learn, and Oliver Wight standards. builds them a portfolio. The S&OP process is owned and led by the organization’s The KSA tree is also customizable where supervisors can de- leadership team. termine what their Airmen need and are able to go into the hub and create a training plan. Through this process, ANMC leadership evaluates and re- vises time-phased projections for customer demand, work- Videos are short in length to keep a viewer’s attention and are load schedules to ensure on-time delivery, capacity needed typically 4 to 12 minutes in length. For one topic, Dever said to execute the schedules, and the resulting financial plans. there may be 30 different videos to get the same information and are just presented in a different way. This is done each month, through a series of meetings, with a planning horizon of two fiscal years.

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The creation of this new process began a little more than a year ago, when the Army Materiel Command, ANMC’s higher headquarters, con- tracted with Oliver Wight to send a consultant and educator to Annis- ton.

That consultant was Donald Mc- Naughton, a principal and board member at Oliver Wight. McNaugh- ton quickly became “part of the fam- ily,” according to Cassandra Caver, ANMC’s director of Ammunition Operations.

With his guidance, ANMC began to pull together the types of reports needed to project workload with relative accuracy, not only for a few months into the future, but for 24 Donald McNaughton, consultant and educator for Oliver Wight, presents a Class A months. Milestone Award to Lt. Col. Roshun Steele, commander of the Anniston Munitions Cen- ter. Also pictured (left) is Tony Burdell, ANMC’s deputy to the commander. The organization also learned to Photo by Jennifer Bacchus ensure their meetings were produc- tive—sharing information about the projected workload and how it could impact the entire team. “To not only have achieved Class A, but to achieve it in 12 months, is outstanding.” “Since initiating this journey to Class A Certification in S&OP, ANMC has been able to see concerns sooner than before and McNaughton said he was impressed with how well the entire make appropriate decisions based on the metrics monitored ANMC organization worked together to achieve their mission by the ANMC resource, planning, and executing teams,” said and create the S&OP process. “The thing I take away is the Anthony Burdell, ANMC’s deputy to the commander. power of true teamwork,” said McNaughton. “Really, what I experienced here was family.” The work on ANMC’s S&OP process began about a month before Lt. Col. Roshun Steele took command of the organiza- Army-Funded Researchers Earn Top Scientific Honors tion. As a new commander, Steele said working through the U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND process helped her understand the mission of the organization ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY PUBLIC AFFAIRS (AUGUST 1, better and how each division contributes to the overall mission. 2019) RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.—U.S. Army-funded re- “The S&OP process has increased communication and coor- searchers working on a project to extract information from dination throughout the organization to ensure we meet our data sensing and processing earned top scientific honors. planned execution goals each month, fostering confidence in our workforce,” said Steele. “The magnitude of this award Dr. Vahid Tarokh, a professor of electrical and computer engi- shows the excellence of this organization.” neering at Duke University was named to the National Acad- emy of Engineering, and Dr. Alfred O. Hero, III, a professor of ANMC earned high praise from the consultants and educators engineering at University of Michigan was honored with the who worked with them through Oliver Wight. “Achieving Class 2020 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) A is a measure of world-class. I don’t think you can understate Fourier Award for Signal Processing. the importance of being world-class in anything,” said Tom Strohl, a consultant, coach, and educator with Oliver Wight. Tarokh and Hero are part of a research team, funded by the Army Research Office and led out of the University of Illinois

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at Urbana-Champaign, that aims to speed up and improve the He joins more than 2,500 peer-elected members and foreign ability to collect and analyze data, and subsequently adapt members in the NAE, which serves as an advisor to the federal decisions as new information comes in. The team is developing government and conducts independent studies to examine approaches to sensing and processing that exploit the infor- important topics in engineering and technology. mation resulting from an ordered structure of measured data. Hero has been a leader in the development of the theoretical “The impact of this research permeates a broad swath of foundations of signal processing for decades. These founda- Army-centric applications,” said Dr. Hamid Krim, program tions have been applied to network data analysis, personalized manager, Information Processing and Fusion at Army Research health, multi-modality information fusion, data-driven physi- Office. “For example, it could help detect a missile as a result of cal simulation, materials science, dynamic social media, and two inferences as an infrared sensor precedes the consensus database indexing and retrieval, among other areas. of an explosion by an optical sensor.” As part of the MURI project, Hero has developed algorithms Other applications range from social network analysis to inter- exploiting asymmetrical data flows in contested environments active machine learning that involves humans, such as brain with applications to multi-agent interaction assessment, semi- computer/robot interfaces. autonomous robotic search, and anomaly detection.

The Army Research Office is an element of the Combat Capa- Hero was awarded the IEEE Fourier Award for Signal Process- bilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory. ing for contributions to the foundations of statistical signal The research grant, part of the Department of Defense Mul- processing with applications to distributed sensing and per- tidisciplinary University Research Initiative, known as MURI, formance benchmarking. supports research teams whose efforts intersect more than one traditional scientific and engineering discipline. The Fourier Award is an IEEE Technical Field Award sponsored by the IEEE Signal Processing Society and the IEEE Circuits and The awards are typically funded at $1.25 million per year for Systems Society. He is the sixth individual to receive the award. three years, with an option for two additional years.

Tarokh is one of the world’s most cited researchers in com- puter science. He is known for his singular contributions to signal processing and his current work to create new methods for modeling and making predictions from small amounts of data.

As part of the MURI project, Tarokh is in- vestigating theoretical limits on informa- tion gathering from an ordered structure of measured data. He also has ongoing collaborations focused on inventing new methods for securing and maximizing the Internet of Things and designing brain- inspired organic networks that can reor- ganize themselves.

Election to the National Academy of En- gineering (NAE) is one of the highest pro- fessional distinctions for engineers. As a member of the academy, Tarokh will help carry out the academy’s mission of pro- Dr. Vahid Tarokh, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Duke Uni- viding engineering leadership in service versity was named to the National Academy of Engineering. to the nation. Photo courtesy Duke University

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