PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — More than 200 graduates of the Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Leadership Development Program (NLDP) and Journey Leadership Development Program (JLDP) were celebrated at a ceremony on March 20, 2025, at NAVAIR headquarters. The event highlighted the command’s commitment to cultivating leadership skills among its civilian and military workforce to support the Navy’s mission.
Tom Rudowsky, NAVAIR deputy commander, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the practical impact of their training. “The skills you have learned have prepared you to lead and mentor your teams successfully,” he said. “They have set you on a path of self-assessing, self-correcting and leading your teams to focus on what matters most — delivering the capability the fleet needs to deter, fight, win and return home safely.”
The NLDP, a three-year initiative, targets mid- to senior-level civilians, sailors, and Marines with demonstrated leadership potential. It offers a mix of required courses, seminars, shadowing opportunities, and developmental assignments aimed at fostering personal and professional growth. Meanwhile, the JLDP, established in 2010, focuses on emerging leaders, enhancing their interpersonal communication, productivity, and understanding of command operations through leadership classes, mentoring, and job shadowing.
Jim Wojciechowski, a level 1 integrated program team lead for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program at Patuxent River, credited NLDP with exceeding his expectations. “Through participation in NLDP, I expected to enhance my leadership skills, gain new perspectives, close leadership gaps and further develop my abilities to lead with confidence and impact,” he said. “The program delivered on all my expectations.”
Similarly, Annie Hutson, director of business operations for the Air Wing Interoperability and Integration Electronic Warfare Effects Group in Point Mugu, said NLDP provided her with valuable tools. “The program provided an opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and develop strategies to enhance business operations,” she said. “Through structured learning, peer discussions and real-world application, I grew as a leader and enhanced my strategic decision-making skills.”
Doug Mousseau, director of NAVAIR’s Command Operations Group, oversees both programs and opened the ceremony with reflections on leadership. “Things are changing rapidly; technology or world conflict come and go very quickly,” he said. “If you really want to make an impact on the future, you can help shape it. Leadership is about moving beyond hope and intention — it’s about planning, executing and making things happen.”
JLDP graduate Jessica Santana, Business and Financial Branch head at Fleet Readiness Center East, saw the program as a career enhancer. “With over 15 years of experience in facilities management — both as a Marine Corps service member and in my civilian DoD career — I was eager to enhance my leadership skills,” she said. “Having heard so many positive things about the JLDP, I knew it would be the ideal opportunity to continue growing professionally and reach new heights in my career.”
Tim McCardle, VH-92A Support Equipment Logistics lead at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst, echoed her sentiments. “It was recommended as a good complement to the 26 years of Marine Corps leadership training and experience and seven years of commercial business leadership I have,” he said. “I absolutely recommend that others apply for and join the program.”
Jose Mendoza, a production controller at FRC Southeast, said JLDP broadened his perspective. “I was hoping the training would enable me to transition beyond my current position into new challenges,” he said. “I realized how we are much bigger than I had imagined; we are part of a large community of gifted individuals willing to give a lot of themselves to our shared mission and each other.”
According to NLDP Administrator Julie Guy, both programs are highly competitive and demand dedication. “Our goals are fully aligned with the commander’s intent to provide employees with as many tools possible to help them lead, mentor, educate, grow and inspire others to perform at the highest levels, while also achieving their professional and personal goals,” she said.
NAVAIR’s broader commitment to workforce development is reflected in its Leader Development Continuum (NLDC), which offers resources from an employee’s first day through retirement. In addition to NLDP and JLDP, the continuum includes the Foundational Leadership Development Program (FLDP), a self-paced option for building foundational skills, according to the NAVAIR website.
Rudowsky closed the ceremony by urging graduates to take an active role. “Spectators watch and wait for others to take the lead or prove out a new approach,” he said. “We need all players on the field. Our mission is too important. You are here, collectively, to serve our warfighters — our sons and daughters, family members and friends — but above all, you are here to serve this great nation we call home.”
The ceremony underscored NAVAIR’s focus on preparing its workforce to meet evolving challenges, ensuring the Navy remains equipped to fulfill its mission.
