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NSWCPD marked National Engineers Week (Feb. 18-21, 2025) with a focus on "Design Your Future!" The week's events, including a kick-off ceremony and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) days, celebrated the command's engineers while encouraging student interest in technical fields.
Kick-Off and Cake Ceremony
Thomas "Tom" Perotti, NAVSEA Executive Director for Naval Systems and Logistics (SEA 05), kicked off NSWCPD's National Engineer Week with a keynote address on February 18.
Perotti's speech marked a homecoming, as he began his career at NSWCPD as a co-op student in 1987.
“This isn’t just about the ships that we build, it’s about us – the people. It’s about you, our entire team. You drive innovation and our ability to deliver unmatched warfighting capability,” Perotti said in sharing perspectives on the future of naval engineering and the incredible opportunities for the next generation of engineers to shape what’s ahead.
“We’re not just solving today’s problems, but we are designing tomorrow’s warfighting advantage. I want to challenge you to adopt a mindsight that we never stop innovating, we never stop growing and never stop playing the infinite game,” Perotti said, adding, “The work you do defines our Sailors and marines. Let’s rise to that challenge. Let’s design our future intentionally, boldly, and with unshakeable commitment to our warfighters and warfighting excellence.”
Following the kick-off, a cake ceremony celebrated the command's engineers, recognizing both new additions and veteran contributors such as NSWCPD branch head John Bozewicz, who has dedicated 45 years to federal civilian service.
Chief Engineer (CHENG) Lunch and Learn
The command’s second National Engineers Week event featured a lunch and learn with NSWCPD Chief Engineer (CHENG), Scott Freedner, on February 19.
Freedner hosted an informative virtual session covering Fleet Tech Assistance (FTA) and Local Technical Authority (LTA) and how they are used when critical decisions need to be made during the development of engineering solutions.
“This information session enables engineers to engage a conversational discussion about how we provide the valuable assistance to the fleet,” Freedner said.
Freedner emphasized the distinction between FTA and repair, explaining that "FTA determines root cause, [while] the repair mitigates the root cause."
The ensuing discussion detailed the relevant In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) fleet assistance initiation, logistics, and processes.
STEM Days
The command concluded its National Engineers Week celebration by hosting two STEM outreach events with students participating from the Philadelphia region.
NSWCPD Deputy Chief Engineer Dorothy Kraynik welcomed attendees to the virtual STEM Day 1 session on February 20.
“I’m excited to have Little Flower Catholic High School and Thomas Jefferson University here as we celebrate National Engineers Week — a time to recognize how engineers shape the world around us. Whether you realize it or not, engineering is everywhere — from the phones in your hands to the ships and submarines protecting our seas,” she said.
Kraynik pointed out that in the U.S. Navy, engineers are problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders.
“They design, build, and maintain the ships and submarines that keep our Navy mission-ready. They are designing the Navy of the future,” she said, adding, “Their work isn’t just about machines and numbers — it’s about creativity, teamwork, and making a real impact. And the best part? There’s a place in engineering for everyone, no matter your background or interests.”
Guest speaker Sara Matsui, chief engineer at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, enthusiastically talked about her career path while offering nuggets of advice to the students.
“You don’t really need to know exactly what you want to do when you grow up,” Matsui said, explaining that sometimes having a plan can prevent you from seeing other opportunities that may present themselves along the way.
“You should do what you love and it’s never too late to change course. But, if you love the concept of how and why things work, then engineering may be a good choice,” she said, adding, “Seeing the connection of all the little things that make something work is really amazing to me. You have to care about people to be a great engineer. You are doing what you do, not because a machine cares about you, but because what you do with that machine is going to help people in their everyday lives.”
“That’s why I love engineering,” Matsui concluded.
NSWCPD Machinery Research, Logistics and Ship Integrity Department Head Allison Hollish, closed out STEM Day 1 by saying, “When we talk about the theme ‘Design Your Future,’ we’re talking about shaping the path ahead in a way that reflects your dreams, talents, and ambitions. Engineering is an incredible way to do that because it’s all about solving problems, pushing boundaries, and creating things that make a difference.”
“Engineering is not all equations and blueprints—it’s about making a difference and shaping the world in ways that matter. It is about turning imagination into reality, whether that means designing sustainable cities, creating life-changing technology, exploring the stars, or, like Ms. Matsui, bringing innovation to our Nation’s Navy. It’s about you — your ideas, your voice, and your ability to make an impact,” Hollish said.
She added that whether you choose engineering or another path, never be afraid to dream boldly, work hard, and lift others up along the way. The future isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you design … I want to leave you with one important message: your dreams are worth pursuing, and the world needs you to design its future.”
STEM Day 2, an in-person event on February 21, continued exploring the theme of “Design Your Future” through a panel discussion, tours of NSWCPD test sites and labs, and engaging hands-on engineering activities.
The NSWCPD panel, comprised of electrical and mechanical engineers, shared their career journeys and fielded insightful questions from Northeast High School and Maritime Charter Academy students. Students asked about applicable high school skills and on-the-job challenges. Reading, writing, communication, and coding were frequently cited skills, while challenging tasks ranged from building test sites to inter-command collaboration.
Following the panel, the 30+ students and school representatives toured three NSWCPD labs and test sites. STEM Day 2 then concluded with hands-on activities and demonstrations, including electronics and block coding.
NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2025 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 492768 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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