AFRL honors late director in building dedication

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ireland Summers | The Terry S. Duncan Space Technology Research Laboratory is unveiled for the first time at the Starfire Optical Range at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 18, 2019. Duncan led the design and project proposal for the laboratory and contributed to its creation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Ireland Summers)  

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, UNITED STATES

10.18.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Ireland Summers 

377th Air Base Wing

A dedication ceremony to rename the Telescope and Atmospheric Compensation Laboratory (TACLab) was held Oct. 18, 2019, at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Starfire Optical Range, here.

The new name of the building is the Terry S. Duncan Space Technology and Research Laboratory. Duncan served as director of the National Reconnaissance Office Communications Directorate director from 2011 until his passing June 17, 2017, and was honored by having the laboratory named after him.

“For the 14 years that Terry was here, every day and to every project he gave his full energy,” said John M. Anderson, former AFRL Air Force officer and now Leidos Corporation senior program manager. “He was a friend as well as a colleague to many of us.”

Prior to his position as communications director at NRO, Duncan, who received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy, was a military officer then Air Force civilian working for the Air Force Research Laboratory. He was responsible for directing the Air Force’s
$150 million per year research portfolio of ground and air-based optical directed-energy technology development.

“He was like a sponge when it came to responsibility,” said Dr. Robert Q. Fugate, AFRL Starfire Optical Range senior scientist. “Whatever job he was assigned, he did it with style and gusto.”

Duncan even led the design and project proposal for the TACLab, catapulting the growth of the Space Electro-Optics division. Through his innovation and dedication, the building initially named the Telescope and Atmospheric Compensation Laboratory was created.

“Naming this building in his honor is our small token of appreciation for the truly great contributions he made to our national defense,” said Fugate. “We hope it stands for many decades to honor his legacy.”

• Date Taken: 10.18.2019
• Date Posted: 10.25.2019 13:18
• Story ID: 349245
• Location: ALBUQUERQUE, NM, US