On a misty summer morning in Orlando, Fla., hundreds gathered in Warfighter Park, where history has been made countless times, where flags were perfectly displayed and spectacular hospitality is extended. On June 18th, the standing room crowd witnessed the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) Change of Command ceremony. The ceremony culminated with Captain Bill “Roto” Reuter graciously accepting the helm from Captain Harry “Smokey” Robinson, commanding officer of NAWCTSD and Naval Support Activity Orlando, and was a precursor to Captain Robinson’s retirement after 28 years of honorable service.
Retired Navy Vice Admiral Al Harms, vice president for Strategic Planning and Initiatives at the University of Central Florida (UCF) was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. “UCF is one of the nation’s leaders in training and simulation studies and we are fortunate to partner with NAWCTSD in such close proximity,” he stated proudly, reminding attendees of the Navy and UCF’s longstanding partnership in modeling and simulation research; one that is decadesworth proud.
Overseeing the ceremony, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Commander, Rear Adm. Donald Gaddis spoke of NAWCTSD’s greatest strengths. “Our ability to provide effective and efficient training solutions for such a wide spectrum of military programs, including aircraft, surface ships, submarines and other specialized requirements, while keeping costs to a minimum, is top-notch and like no other.”
The roots of the NAWCTSD reach back to April 1941, when then-Commander Luis de Florez became head of the new Special Devices Desk in the Engineering Division of the Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics. De Florez championed the use of “synthetic training devices” and urged the Navy to undertake development of such devices to increase readiness.
In 1988, NAWCTSD moved to its present headquarters in Research Park to occupy the main building complex named for its founding father, de Florez. The center remains a significant component of the Naval Air Systems Command, currently employing more than 1,000 engineers, scientists and support personnel. Their advanced laboratories and highly skilled work force continue to produce cutting-edge advances in training simulation and human performance. NAWCTSD continually engages the warfighter to understand challenges, solve problems, create new capabilities and provide essential support. NAWCTSD awards about one billion dollars in contracts to simulation technology companies each year.
NAWCTSD is recognized throughout the training community for its all-inclusive training systems technology expertise. Their leadership role is evident through the broad spectrum of capabilities such as: development and full life cycle support of training systems; inter-service coordination and training systems support for Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard; partnering in simulation and training initiatives with industry and academia; front-end analysis (instructional systems design) of training system requirements; research in technologies and improved methods for simulation and training; standards development for training systems; Technology Reinvestment Program participation and implementation of White House initiative to commercialize defense simulation and training technology (i.e., CRADAs); coordination and training systems support for international customers.
Captain Robinson’s committed service to NAWCTSD is significant and he will leave a remarkable legacy. Robinson’s hands-on approach has naturally provided many quality concepts and practices, advancing NAWCTSD and continuing to improve its products and services. His move into retirement is certainly bittersweet.
As the future has never looked brighter, Captain Reuter, no stranger to the streets of Research Park, the industry or the military, slides fittingly into the skipper’s seat like a worn glove. Reuter offers a continuous list of credentials; he is well liked and very approachable. A native of Key West, Fla., and University of Florida graduate, Reuter continued his training and was selected for the Naval Postgraduate School/U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Cooperative Program, where he earned a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering. In addition to his military duties, Reuter, who currently resides in an East Orlando neighborhood, is very involved in the Central Florida community. For example, he will serve as the class chair of leadership, Orlando Class ’80, beginning in September 2010.
In the future, you can count on NAWCTSD to play a vital role in maintaining the defense posture of this nation and our allies around the world. Training systems and plans are intended to be developed simultaneously with emerging weapon systems to ensure we are prepared for a military emergency. The training systems aim to be most effective and cost-efficient. To these ends, NAWCTSD is dedicated, equipped and fervent. ♦
Team Orlando is Central Florida’s unique military alliance with academia and others that began over 25 years ago with one goal in mind: to improve human performance through simulation.