A collection of news and information specifically for the C4ISR community

Vol. 4, No. 45
November 20, 2008

New ESC executive director calls for speed with discipline 

Rich Lombardi, who came aboard last month as Electronic Systems Center executive director, speaks to a gathering at Hanscom’s Minuteman Club Nov. 19. The luncheon event was sponsored by the Lexington-Concord Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.  (Photo by Rick Berry)

By Chuck Paone
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

In today's environment, where technology advances enable operators to act and decide quicker than ever, acquisition efforts should be as nimble as possible, Electronic Systems Center's new executive director, Rich Lombardi, said Wednesday.

Addressing a luncheon gathering sponsored by the Lexington-Concord Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, Mr. Lombardi said acquirers need to balance competing demands, however.

"We need to go fast - that's really important - but we also need to maintain discipline," he said, cautioning against the reckless pursuit of acquisition objectives.

He said that cyber challenges also drive the need for enhanced acquisition speed.

"In cyber warfare, everything that makes us powerful also makes us vulnerable," Mr. Lombardi said. It's easier for adversaries to attack in the cyber domain, and they could potentially do great damage "in nanoseconds." 

Mr. Lombardi, who prior to assuming his current position last month, had served as the Air Force's budget investment director, also offered several monetary insights.  (More)

Boston Globe recognition fits well with ESC strategic hiring plan

The Electronic Systems Center's new employment Web site, shown above, was launched Nov. 9 with the aim of developing a 'branding' campaign to attract potential job applicants to center jobs. The site's debut coincided with Hanscom Air Force Base recently being named one of the Boston Globe's Top 100 Places to Work.

By Kevin Gilmartin
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

In concert with Hanscom being named one of the Boston Globe’s top 100 Places to Work, Electronic Systems Center launched a new Web site Nov. 9 to attract individuals seeking employment with the center.

The Web site, www.afesccareers.com, features information on career opportunities with ESC, as well as details on the mission and the Hanscom workplace. The Globe recognized Hanscom in its “Globe 100: The Top Places to Work” section of the Nov. 9 Boston Sunday Globe, highlighting the state’s best work locations. Hanscom was judged against other work places based on a survey completed by a random selection of about 700 military members and government civilians from the base. ESC ran a half-page help wanted advertisement in the section, directing interested individuals to the new Web site.

"So far the response to the Web site has been significant," said Sheila Brennan, ESC director of Personnel. "On the strength of the original appearance in the Boston Globe's Top 100 issue, we continue to draw numerous visitors interested in our career opportunities."  (More)

Cooking up a celebration

Capt. Steve Smith, 642nd Electronic Systems Squadron, serves hot dogs to attendees as part of the Unit Compliance Inspection celebration Nov. 14 at the Tennis Bubble. During the event, Brig. Gen. Terry Feehan, Electronic Systems Center vice commander,  presented certificates to ESC personnel for their individual and team performances. (Photo by Rick Berry)

Commander's Log
Last 3 years mark an epoch of innovation, accomplishment for AFMC

Gen. Bruce Carlson

To the men and women of AFMC —

It is bittersweet to write my last Commander's Log, however, I do it with immense pride. As the AFMC commander over the past three years, I have enjoyed joining with you to tackle and overcome some significant challenges. Your hard work and dedication have catapulted AFMC into one of the most highly effective and productive organizations in the DoD and ensured rapid, precise and reliable responses to urgent warfighter needs.

I am particularly proud of your innovations and commitment to Continuous Process Improvement, which will continue to revolutionize the way the Command and the Air Force conduct business for years to come. Whether it was reducing depot overhaul times or testing urgent modifications to weapons systems, we focused our efforts toward measurable goals and normalized Continuous Process Improvement as our way of doing business.  (More)

Chief congratulations

Senior Master Sgt. Stan Holland (third from left), is congratulated on his selection for promotion to the rank of chief master sergeant at the Minuteman Club on Nov. 12. Offering their congratulations and welcoming Sergeant Holland to the rank of chief are (left to right), Chief Master Sergeants Al Thompson, Michael McCoy, Ginger Thompson, Michael Boudreau (retired), and Karen McCoy, ESC command chief master sergeant. (Photo by Linda LaBonte-Britt)

Now is the time to register for the upcoming Electronic Systems Center University Integration Week. Registration will close Nov. 28.

Integration Week will be held Dec. 8-12 and will feature a handful of new classes. Personnel are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous courses covering topics that range from an Air Force System Engineering Assessment Model Overview to the ESC Education With Industry Experience.

“The schedule has been re-structured so that most courses involving the same functional area do not overlap, allowing people to take more classes in the areas that interest them most,” said Amanda Currier, ESC University lead.

One of the highlights of Integration Week will be System’s Engineering for Non-Systems Engineers, taught by Maj. Joseph Steele. Also of interest is the Earned Value Analysis course, which counts toward a certificate in Earned Value Management.  (More)

Hanscom Heroes’ to be welcomed home at Dec. 12 ceremony

The base will host its next Heroes' Homecoming event on Dec. 12 at 12:30 p.m. in the Aero Club hangar. Everyone is invited to attend. Free lunch will be provided following the ceremony.

By Rhonda Siciliano
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The next Heroes' Homecoming celebration, which will honor Hanscom personnel who have returned from deployments during the past six months, will be held Dec. 12. It will also pay tribute to their family members and to those families who will have loved ones deployed during the holidays.

The event will be held in the Aero Club hangar and will begin at 12:30 p.m.; the entire base community is welcome to attend and enjoy a free lunch that will be served immediately after the ceremony. Lunch will include pizza, subs and free drinks.

In addition, the event will include participation by members of the New England Patriots cheerleaders, local sports celebrities, and craft stations for children and adults to create cards and messages that will be sent to deployed personnel.

"This is a great opportunity for each of us to show our appreciation and genuine gratitude to our deployed heroes and their families," said Col. Dave Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "Our Airmen continue to answer the call to duty, serving alongside their fellow Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in this noblest of all vocations and far away from family and friends at home. We must let them know at every opportunity that we recognize their selfless duties and the sacrifices made by their families."  (More)

command comments ...

...  In our Air Force, we continue caring for our Airman and their families' care through the Air Force Warrior and Survivor Care Program. This program follows our Airmen and their families through treatment, recovery, and if needed, into a post-separation period. For Airmen who move to civilian status, the program continues for a minimum of five years, or as long as the families need, assisting with extended transition assistance, employment applications, civilian job searches, financial planning and assistance, relocation and integration back into civilian communities. ...
 

-- Chief Master Sergeant
of the Air Force
Rodney J. McKinley

The Integrator is a weekly product of the 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office designed to give ESC decision makers a snapshot of news affecting the C4ISR community.  This e-publication is approved by Kevin Gilmartin, Chief of Public Affairs, (DSN) 478-4110 or commercial (781) 377-4110.  Back issues are available online.  To facilitate service, please select a link for your e-mails:  
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