NAVAIR commander holds admiral’s call at NAWCTSD

Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Vice Adm. David Dunaway, holds an admiral’s call at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division on Aug. 13. Photo: NAWCTSD

Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Vice Adm. David Dunaway, held an admiral’s call at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) on Aug. 13. In his remarks, he explained the importance of NAWCTSD’s role in maintaining a well-trained Navy.

“For 70 years since World War II, the peacekeeper of the world has been the United States Armed Forces. On the high seas, the United States Navy has really been the only force,” Dunaway said. “Really, when it comes down to things that happen badly somewhere in the world, the rapid reaction force; the force of presence off the coast is going to be the United States Navy.”

He emphasized the U.S. Navy needs to be ready to respond to crises around the world, and explained that it’s not enough to rely on advanced technology to win wars. “Technically superior forces have been defeated in the history of warfare, many, many times in combat, and inferior forces have won those battles. The secret to winning is people,” he said. Dunaway added that, “What makes our people great is the Constitution, free will, and the desire for liberty and freedom.”

“It is the training we give them,” he said. “We put the information in their heads, we give them the knowledge they need, and we put them in a position where they can win against odds. That’s what you are doing (at NAWCTSD), and you do it better than anybody in the world.”

He emphasized that it is important to help potential customers understand how each training system fits into the full spectrum of training solutions, rather than letting them focus on a single technology. He explained that allowing customers to go after a single new technology without understanding what it can do, constrains the entire organization.

“My desire is to unleash the fury of your organization and let it go. I think you need to remove constraints, and put that knowledge forward because a strong, capable and stable naval presence from the United States of America is needed across the world,” Dunaway said.

During his visit, Dunaway took the opportunity to thank NAWCTSD employees for their contributions to the success of the command. He also recognized accomplishments of two NAWCTSD employees, Peter Engel, who received his 50-year career service award; and Ronald Winstead, who received a Navy Meritorious Civilian Award from Naval Sea Systems Command for his support of the Aegis Ashore Team Trainer.

The visit was Dunaway’s final to NAWCTSD before his retirement later this year, following more than 33 years of naval service. Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisitions, Vice Adm. Paul A. Grosklags, has been selected to relieve Dunaway as Commander, Naval Air Systems Command.