Photo By Chalene Simmons | Capt. Christopher Matassa presents Dana Wegner, curator of ship models, with the...... read more read more
By Alisha Tyer, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs
WEST BETHESDA, Md. – After dedicating half a century to his career, Dana Wegner, curator of ship models at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division, retired from federal service.
In recognition of his expansive knowledge of naval architecture and his contributions to preserving naval history, Wegner received the Department of the Navy (DoN) Civilian Service Achievement Medal during a ceremony held March 21, 2025, at the David Taylor Model Basin. The award highlighted his leadership in the safe recovery of 76 ship models that were on loan to the National Museum of the United States Navy, accomplished ahead of schedule despite staffing and travel restrictions.
Wegner, who has served as curator of models at Carderock since 1980, is the fifth curator in the program’s history. His remarkable career is marked by numerous achievements, among them the DoN Distinguished Civilian Service Award and the division’s Dr. Murray Strasberg Lifetime Achievement Award. As a subject matter expert in ship model construction, Wegner has also published extensively on naval history.
Surrounded by team members and colleagues, Wegner was presented the award by Carderock’s Deputy Technical Director Dr. Dave Drazen, alongside Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Matassa.
Wegner referred to the collection of over 3,500 ship models – which he managed for 44 years – as a national treasure. Carderock leadership agreed.
“You’re really like a national treasure yourself,” said Matassa in his opening remarks. He recalled first hearing of the demand for Wegner’s expertise from former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition James Geurts, long before taking command at Carderock.
“Your steady leadership was vital at turbulent and challenging times to ensure the protection and safeguarding of models, while empowering the curative models program to continue to perform in an outstanding manner,” said Drazen, while presenting the medal and certificate. Matassa also presented Wegner with a Command coin, and his team members gave him a farewell card.
As the ceremony concluded, Wegner reflected on the moments that shaped his long career – including one vivid memory that has stayed with him for decades: the unmistakable smell of the tow tank.
“My wife used to say my clothes smelled like it,” he recalled, laughing. “I’d say, it’s okay, I like the tow tank!”
That fondness, Wegner said, extended far beyond the walls of the model shop or tow tank.
“I loved it here. You don’t stay as long as I did if you don’t like where you’re working.”
Throughout his 44 years as curator and more than 50 years in federal service, Wegner built more than a legacy. Through the Department of the Navy Ship Model Program, which preserves and shares scale models in museums and institutions nationwide, he helped safeguard naval history for generations to come. His impact, much like the ship models he championed, will stand the test of time.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.14.2025 15:12 |
| Story ID: | 494397 |
| Location: | WEST BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Curator’s Legacy: Dana Wegner Honored for 50 Years of Federal Service, by Alisha Tyer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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