NSWC Dahlgren receives Federal Executive of the Year Award

Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Executive Director Thomas Pendergraft received the Federal Executive of the Year Award from the Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association (FEIAA). Speaking at a ceremony held during the Association's Executive Forum 2002 meeting, Pete Brown, Executive Director, Naval Sea Systems Command, and Capt. Lyal B. Davidson, Commander, NSWC Dahlgren, paid tribute to Pendergraft's enduring success. "Tom has dedicated his life to preventing our Navy from being outflanked technologically," said Davidson. "There are 10,000 people who follow in his footsteps and we all follow willingly." Citing his "exemplary service" to both the Navy and the nation, Rear Adm. Michael Mathis, NSWC Commander, described Pendergraft as "the rare combination of visionary technocrat, consummate manager, and enlightened leader." In his remarks, Pendergraft paid tribute to the people who make up NSWC Dahlgren. Noting that Dahlgren employees represent the "best and brightest" of what the United States has to offer, Mr. Pendergraft added, "This team is the grist that keeps the country going. Technical integrity -- we must have that standard above all. If we don't, you don't need us. We have to tell the truth from a technological standpoint to protect the men and women we send into harm's way." (By Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Public Affairs)