NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Civilians from two helicopter wings have been named recipients of the April Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) Outstanding Performance Award for their superior contributions to warfighting readiness.
Olga Z. Rivas, the Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) Director for Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific (HSMWP), and George Jubert, Manpower Analyst for Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic (HSCWL), received the award for their work in support of the Naval Aviation Enterprise.
Rivas was recognized for her role promoting CPI efforts, ensuring HSMWP teams use data-driven analysis to identify root cause issues and implement corrective actions, according to the letter of appreciation signed by Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF).
“Your leadership and dedication were instrumental in reinvigorating the Helicopter Maritime Strike community’s use of CPI to dramatically improve Advanced Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) reliability, to set the standard for Corrosion Control initiatives throughout Naval Aviation, streamline HSMWP’s advanced readiness training and maximize simulator availability through the exploration of simulator capacity mitigation strategies,” Shoemaker wrote. “Your tireless efforts directly affected operational readiness and ensured the Navy’s warfighters are ready to accomplish the mission.”
SAN DIEGO (April 5, 2016) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, fires an AGM-114M Hellfire missile near San Clemente Island, Calif., during a live-fire combat training exercise. HSM-35, the Navy’s first composite expeditionary helicopter squadron, flies the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez/Released)
Rivas, who has served as the HSMWP CPI Director for eight years, was honored to receive the award.
“It is a great feeling to see our Type/Model/Series performing well in the execution of their assets,” Rivas said. “We excel in all inspections and assessments because, as a Type Wing, we learn to understand what we must teach to our squadrons to achieve their goals. We want our squadrons to be successful, and that is how we measure our success.”
A mindset of continuous process improvement within HSMWP is also instrumental to the wing’s success.
“If you can’t measure it – you can’t move it,” Rivas said. “We use data for all decisions and develop metrics to drive behavior. More importantly, we have created a culture where asking questions is a good thing.”
Rivas said she is most proud of the validation she received for applying the use of process improvement at the organizational level (O-level) of maintenance.
“O-level squadrons have a large slice of responsibility in meeting current readiness goals,” Rivas said. “Teaching and training our squadrons on what inputs feed the metrics we are measured by has resulted in our ability to ensure all squadrons and detachments are deployment-ready regarding the man, train and equip functions provided by the wing.”
Jubert, who was previously recognized in July 2011 for his support to the NAE, received the award for his continued superior performance and contributions to the NAE as the HSCWL Manpower Analyst.
“You have made it the norm to go above and beyond the requirements for your position, and your expertise is widely acclaimed not just within HSCWL but across the NAE,” said Mike Warriner, NAE Executive Director. “Your passion to identify and rectify manpower issues that arise in order to maximize operational readiness is an example for the NAE to follow.”
For Jubert, receiving the award was a pleasant surprise.
“It’s good to know that the work I am doing is making a difference for our officers, Sailors , civilians and their commands, Jubert said. “Being recognized by the professionals of the NAE gives me encouragement and reaffirms my belief that there is an unwavering commitment within the enterprise to continue to pursue improvements in our processes and procedures.
Jubert has served in his current role for nine years but has a total of 26 years of experience being involved in manpower.
“I am most proud of the relationships that I have made and continue to maintain with personnel across the NAE,” Jubert said. “I know that there are a lot of folks who have no idea just how impactful the NAE has been to their careers and the missions of our commands. We need to continue to enlighten our constituency and encourage their participation as we continue to improve.
The NAE Air Board, composed of leaders partnering to pursue the best interests of Naval Aviation, recognizes typically one Sailor, Marine or civilian employee each month for his or her outstanding enterprise-centric contributions to Naval Aviation. Award winners serve as positive examples of the enterprise approach at work. They routinely illustrate a commitment to the NAE principles of process improvement, a willingness to challenge assumptions, a focus on effectiveness and efficiency and a commitment to the greater good of Naval Aviation.