NUWC Division Newport’s AUTEC range manager earns Meritorious Civilian Service Award

Photo By Public Affairs Office | Mike Knecht (center), range manager for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport’s Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center in the Bahamas, was presented with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award by Division Newport Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Coughlin (right). His wife, Patricia (left), attended the Feb. 13 ceremony held in West Palm Beach, Florida.  

ANDROS ISLAND, BAHAMAS

02.20.2019

Story by Public Affairs Office 

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

ANDROS ISLAND, Bahamas — Mike Knecht, of Stuart, Florida, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport’s range manager for the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Bahamas, has received the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. The third highest Navy honorary award recognizes meritorious civilian service contributions that are of high value or benefit to the Navy.

Over the past 35 years, Knecht has built a well-deserved reputation as a highly capable technical leader at AUTEC as team leader for test operations and competency head for Atlantic testing and operations. Knecht has risen to the challenges of managing these dynamic and responsible positions concurrently.

Throughout his career, Knecht has consistently demonstrated his skills in coordinating and executing complex test events for critical U.S. Navy and Allied Forces and in times of crisis such as the stabilization and recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Matthew in 2016. His expertise and leadership have contributed to the world-class reputation AUTEC enjoys today.

Knecht was presented with the award by NUWC Division Newport Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Coughlin and Eric Spigel, head of NUWC Newport’s Ranges, Engineering and Analysis Department, during a ceremony held on Feb. 13 at West Palm Beach, Florida.

Knecht plans to retire on March 2, 2019.

NUWC Division Newport, part of the Naval Sea System Command, is one of two divisions of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. NUWC Division Newport’s mission is to provide research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures. NUWC’s other division is located in Keyport, Washington.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2019
• Date Posted: 02.20.2019 17:01
• Story ID: 311332
• Location: ANDROS ISLAND, BS
• Hometown: STUART, FL, US