HEADQUARTERS, NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Twelve Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) employees were honored as Supervisors of the Year during an awards ceremony at Patuxent River on October 24, recognizing their dedication to fostering positive team dynamics and impactful contributions to NAVAIR’s mission. Selected from 117 nominations, the awardees were praised for their leadership within NAVAIR’s workforce of 44,000 personnel and their role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s readiness.
Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, NAVAIR commander, underscored the critical role of effective leadership within the organization. “To all the awardees here today, you are the best of the best. You are leading this organization…delivering game-changing capability up to the fleet,” he said in his opening remarks. Chebi called on the recipients to focus on growth and mentorship. “Figure out what is working for you. Figure out how you will train the next generation of leaders. Figure out how you are going to personally grow,” he advised.
Spotlight on Excellence
Among the awardees, Samuel Hotz, program manager for the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226), shared his approach to leadership, which emphasizes supporting his team members. “I am smart enough to know what I don’t know and what I do know,” said Hotz. “The most important part of your job is taking care of them so they can take care of the mission. I’m here because the people that I have make it an immense pleasure for me to serve them.”
The 2024 NAVAIR Supervisors of the Year recipients include:
- James Beavers – Comptroller, Commander, Fleet Readiness Center (COMFRC) Headquarters
- Mark Cusic – Deputy Director, FRC Mid-Atlantic, Naval Air Station Oceana
- Paul K. Fonua – Deputy Director, Weapons and Warfare Systems Test Department, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) Point Mugu
- Pedro Fuentes – Aircraft Overhaul and Repair Supervisor, FRC Southwest, Naval Air Station North Island
- Cmdr. Jason Jacdedt – Officer in Charge, FRC West, Naval Air Station Lemoore
- Collin A. Kyte – Chief of Contracting Office, NAWCWD China Lake
- Tracy McKay – Branch Head, Program Management Department, Systems Acquisition Group, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Patuxent River
- Ricardo “Richie” Mercado – Branch Lead, Virtual Integrated Trainer Integration Management, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) Orlando
- Robert “Bob” Meseroll – Supervisory Engineer, ALRE Software and Systems Test Engineering Branch, NAWCAD Lakehurst
- Joshua Nix – Aircraft and Overhaul Supervisor, FRC Southeast, Naval Air Station Jacksonville
- Michael Wagoner – Director, Planning and Operations Division, FRC East, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
Recognizing Team Efforts and Fostering a Positive Culture
Awardee Tracy McKay, Program Management Department branch head at NAWCAD Patuxent River, emphasized the importance of team collaboration in achieving NAVAIR’s goals. “I see this recognition as a reflection of the team’s collective efforts,” she said. “My priority is to ensure my employees are successful, feel valued and supported… fostering an environment of trust and open communication. This acknowledgment inspires me to continue to promote collaboration and innovation, as our shared commitment drives our success.”
Michael Wagoner from FRC East expressed his gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging his team’s dedication. “Leading people through challenging experiences and being a part of their success is what I enjoy most about being a supervisor,” he stated. “This award is a direct reflection of my team’s hard work, dedication, and passion. Together, we created a special atmosphere, and this award belongs to all of us. Being a supervisor means more than managing tasks; it is about empowering people…where everyone can thrive.”
Robert Meseroll, supervisory engineer for NAWCAD Lakehurst, credited his team for inspiring him. “The leadership team at Lakehurst consistently sets the bar high for ALRE products, and our employees have risen to the challenge every time… I couldn’t be more proud of the dedication demonstrated by my branch’s employees to support the fleet 24/7,” he said.
A Future Focused on Leadership and Mission
The ceremony closed with Vice Adm. Chebi expressing deep gratitude for the dedication of each recipient and their contributions to the organization’s mission. “I cannot say thank you enough for what you are doing to make sure the fleet, our sons and daughters, have the capabilities they need to deliver successfully and return home safely,” Chebi concluded.
The NAVAIR Supervisors of the Year Awards not only recognize outstanding supervisors but serve as a reminder of the vital role strong leadership plays in supporting the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness.
