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    Oxnard Native U.S. Navy Civilian Welder Fabricates Laser Mounting Patent for Department of Defense

    PORT HUENEME, CA, UNITED STATES

    03.29.2020

    Story by Sarah Lincoln 

    Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center

    PORT HUENEME, Calif. (March 29, 2020) – Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) Expeditionary Maintenance Center (EMC) Welder Javier Esparza and former Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Engineer Ryan Grate have co-invented and patented a laser mounting technology for the Department of Defense.

    Awarded on August 6, 2019, the patent dons the name Laser Mounting Fixture Patent 10,370,072.

    The technology is a laser fixture designed to mount on an extended edge, such as a ship bulkhead, and is then used to record precision measurements at close ranges. The technology has a set of attached mounting plates and gussets, to create a stable yet wide range of site for the laser. Once mounted, the technology allows the user to procure measurements used for diverse weapons systems, where the operator can then calibrate the systems according to the measurements received from the technology. Prior, to the Laser Mounting Fixture Patent, operators were using tripods for measurement, which did not adhere to accurate measurements, and put both the equipment and operator at risk.

    The idea of the Laser Mounting Fixture Patent spawned from NAVSEA, who had formerly worked with NAVFAC EXWC on past fabrication projects. Grate approached Esparza, whom agreed NAVFAC EXWC could fabricate NAVSEA’s vision. Both counterparts then began initiating the research, fabrication and testing of the technology. After approximately 2 years, the Laser Mounting Fixture Patent created for the Department of Defense is now implemented for use by the U.S. Government.

    Esparza came to NAVFAC EXWC after working with Department of Defense contractor, Gypsy Rack. Gypsy Rack held multi-million dollar contracts with the Department of Defense at the time of Esparza’s employment. Esparza’s experience as a welder and fabricator for Gypsy Rack was highly regarded by the Expeditionary Maintenance Center, who then hired Esparza for civil service employment through the Department of the Navy.

    “I’m thankful to my superiors and mentors I worked with at Gypsy Rack because they taught me the product line of the U.S. Navy. This knowledge has been priceless in my career and allowed me to transition into a position with the Department of Defense that has been both challenging and rewarding,” said Esparza.

    After 11 years of employment with the Department of the Navy, Esparza has officially earned the additional title of ‘patent owner’ to his impressive repertoire.

    As a resident of Oxnard, Esparza attended Pacifica High School where he enrolled in its Region Occupational Program (ROP) that was designed to provide students the opportunity to gain real world training for trades post high school. Through the ROP, paired with Esparza’s innate interest in automotive trades, naturally welding became a career path Esparza was interested in pursuing.

    “My advice to boys and girls from Ventura County trying to figure out what to do after high school is to stay your course and do not deviate,” said Esparza. “If you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. The road may be challenging, but stay the course.”

    Esparza now acts as a lead welder at EMC, alongside two other welders who work for NAVFAC EXWC.

    About Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC):
    NAVFAC EXWC is a command of more than 1,300 dedicated federal employees, contractors, and military personnel who provide science, research, development, testing, evaluation, specialized engineering, and mobile logistics capabilities to deliver sustainable facility and pragmatic expeditionary solutions to the warfighter.

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    For more news from NAVFAC EXWC, please visit https://www.navfac.navy.mil/ or visit us on Facebook @NAVFACEXWC

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.29.2020
    Date Posted: 03.30.2020 19:37
    Story ID: 366133
    Location: PORT HUENEME, CA, US
    Hometown: OXNARD, CA, US

    Web Views: 86
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN