The Honorable Richard V. Spencer, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), visited with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) workforce, Aug. 29.
During Spencer's visit he met with command leadership and held an all hands call.
"The SPAWAR team proves essential to our Navy's mission," said Spencer. "The research, development and acquisition process helps ensure that we are getting new technology and capability out to our Sailors and Marines as quickly as possible. As your new SECNAV, I am personally impressed with the incredible work and legacy of this command. Continue your momentum - I cannot wait to see what initiatives this dynamic group continues to accomplish."
Rear Adm. Christian 'Boris' Becker, SPAWAR Commander, thanked Spencer for taking time to meet with the command that prides itself on rapidly delivering cyber capability from seabed to space.
"SPAWAR employees are located around the globe supporting the warfighter on ships, on submarines, in the air and on ground," said Becker. "For SECNAV to take the time to come and speak with SPAWAR demonstrates the value and significance of our work."
Prior to questions from the audience, Spencer presented Carmela Keeney, executive director of SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific, with the Distinguished Civilian Service Award for her 12 years of extraordinary leadership. Keeney will retire in September, leaving a legacy of excellence and enterprise-wide impact to the Department of the Navy and Department of Defense through her groundbreaking information warfare technical initiatives over the course of her nearly 40 years of federal service.
Peter Labbe, assigned to SPAWAR's Office of the Chief Engineer, emphasized that it means a great deal to have senior Navy leadership visit with SPAWAR, especially during a time where the topics of cybersecurity, technology and innovation are on the minds of not only military members, but those that work in the defense industry and the general public as well.
"SECNAV gave a meaningful perspective of how we need to stay ahead of our adversaries in the realms of cybersecurity and the development of new systems," said Labbe. "As engineers, we are constantly working to improve in order to provide necessary support and protection for those on the front lines."
SPAWAR is the Navy acquisition command which develops, delivers and sustains advanced information warfare capabilities. With nearly 10,000 active duty and civilian professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, SPAWAR is at the forefront of research, engineering and acquisition, keeping our forces connected around the globe.
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