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OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) – Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) recently had the honor of having two of its Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest engineers recognized as both the 2018 NAVFAC Northwest Civilian Engineer of the Year and the NAVFAC Northwest Military Engineer of the Year.
Melissa Gehrmann was selected as the Civilian Engineer of the Year and Lt. Cmdr. Jason Killian selected as the Military Engineer of the Year.
The NAVFAC Engineer of the Year program is organized by the National Society of Professional Engineers Federal Engineer of the Year Award program, and recognizes the exceptional contributions made by engineers within the profession.
Gehrmann, who joined NAVFAC just 18 months ago in May of 2016, has already distinguished herself as an essential member of the Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division Work Package Development team and within weeks became knowledgeable in airfield pavements and airfield operations to complete flight line projects already being assigned.
“I feel like I was just doing my job.” Gehrmann commented on her recognition for the award. “When I came to this position I just really took it on full force. There was a lot of things that needed to be done and I just kind of stepped up to the plate and hit it.”
This was certainly an understatement as leadership frequently began consulting with Gehrmann due to her expertise and competence on a variety of topics.
Recently, the commanding officer of NASWI voiced concerns with pedestrian safety and several crosswalks along one of the main thoroughfares at NASWI. Gehrmann was tasked with evaluating the crosswalks and quickly tackled the issue. Her efforts resulted in funding a project at a high usage crosswalk improving lighting and providing sidewalk modifications to increase safety.
“Just don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Gehrmann advised, when asked how engineers could effectively advance in their careers. “It’s not like school. You’re not going to get all the parameters and a lot of the time you’re trying to solve problems that you don’t have all the variables for, but as an engineer you have to collect all the information and move forward with that. Just have confidence in yourself that you have the ability to do it.”
Lt. Cmdr. Killian, who earned the military recognition while working during a period of unprecedented construction operation tempo, distinguished himself by applying his technical expertise and mentorship skills. Killian’s leadership enabled his team to complete a construction surge of over $250 million that was integral to supporting the transition to four new platforms: the EA-18G Growler, the P-8 Poseidon, the C-40 Clipper and unmanned aerial vehicles.
“It’s really the fact that we’re able to do a whole lot more with a whole lot less,” Killian said, explaining his recognition for the prestigious award and also the recognition of his team. “They all dig in and work together as a team. I always know these guys are doing it. I have a great respect for what they do everyday. It helps get the recognition to them, letting them know that somebody else is seeing what they’re doing too.”
Killian gave his own advice for engineers within the military that seek to further their career.
“Don’t worry about trying to get recognized. Do your job and it’ll take care of itself.”
Killian evidently followed his own words of wisdom when the construction of a P-8 Poseidon training facility was fast approaching its initial operational capability date. Recognizing the project was trending past the construction completion date with a mechanical system error adding to the delays, Killian quickly evaluated the problem, put a team together, and with his reallocation of team assets and leadership skills, ensured the project was fully functional and completed on time.
“I would say trust in your certifications, trust in your skillsets that you’ve earned over the years,” Killian stated, continuing with his mentorship. “Trust that when you don’t know how to do it, that you have a team that can support you in that and trust in their ability to do it.”
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 01.25.2018 19:57 |
| Story ID: | 263312 |
| Location: | OAK HARBOR, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Two NASWI Engineers take Top Honors, by PO2 Scott Wood, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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