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- Sea World to host 14th annual Navy Night fete July 3 San Diego's Sea World will host the 14th annual Navy Night celebration beginning at Bp.m. on Sunday. July 3. For just $5.75 (a 50 percent savings over the regular admission price) visitors can enjoy five hours of entertainment including six new aquatic shows, a special appear- apce by " Up With People." and the unique Penguin Encounter. The penguin exhibit is the only facility of its kind in the world, It showcases six dif· ferent species. APPRECIATION EXPRESSED- Jlln uhr. wife of the former Skipper. tells the group gllth.red at ~pt. Lahr's retirement ~rty Monday evening how much she and her husbAnd enjoyed their stay at China Lake and the friendships formed here, as Capt. Lahr looks at one of the gifts they received. Seen between them is the Larry Zabel painting that WilS presented as the milior farewell gift from those assembled to wish them well. Visitors may observe the birds' natural behaviors from a moving sidewalk that transports guests past l()o"foot viewing windows, or on 16 TV monitors placed around an upper viewing deck. The energetic musical group "Up With People" is a youthful combination of singers, dancers and musicians, who have presented their dynamic program in countries around the world. IWV Concert Ass'n plans series of six programs next season In addition. Navy Night will feature Shamu, the killer whale. in the new show; a brilliant fireworks display; and unlimited free rides on the PSA Skytower and the Atlantis Skyride. A series of six concerts will be offered during the 1983-&1 season by the Indian Wells Valley Concert Association at the Center theater, beginning next October. Present Concert Association members are urged to return their season ticket renewal forms, so that seat reassignments for renewing members can be completed before the sale of season tickets to new members begins. Seats not reserved by tomorrow will be subject to reassignment to other Concert Association members. Seat changes for renewing members will be handled from July 5through Aug. 15. with assignments for new members starting shortly thereafter. Prospective new members may contact the Concert Association by calling 375-5600 at anytime for information, or to be replaced on the " new member'I list. i The 1983~ concert season is schedulet..! for a lively opening on Thursday. Oct. 30: Featured in the inaugural program of the IWV Concert Association's 37th season will be the New American Ragtime Ensemble. This 12-member orchestra was founded,in 1976 and is directed by Tom Maguire. The group employs the traditional ragtime instrwnents - flute, piccolo, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, two violins, viola, cello. piano and percussion. During its concert programs. the New. American Ragtime Ensemble recreates the time when ragtime music was the rage by also appearing in turn-ilf-the century formal dress. On Wednesday, Nov. 30. Western Opera Theater, the San Francisco Opera Center's touring company, will present a fully staged version (in English) of Puccini's " Madame Butterfly." Coming here on Tuesday, Jan. 10. 1984, will be the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Brought together in 1979 by the reowned guitarist Pepe Romero. the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet combines the talents of four gifted solo artists. This group has developed a unique and widely varied repertoire for guitar en- Avoid wait at Rx counter by getting to pharmacy early While the NRMC branch clinic pharmacy will happily refill all prescriptions written by the clinic or by the Long Beach Naval Hospital. it will not refill any prescriptions from other commands. Prescriptions written by civilian doctors will not be filled after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends. There will be no exceptions to this ruling. Clinic pharmacy hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Those who wish to save themselves time spent waiting are advised to bring their prescriptions in between 7:30 and 10 a.m.• or from 12:30to 3p.m. sembles, ranging from Renaissance dances to the music of Spain. as well as music olthe 20th century. On Monday, Feb. 'n. the Center theater will be the setting for a program by the Soviet Emigre Orchestra. This III-member orchestra, directed by Lazar Gosman, former music director of the renowned Leningrad Chamber Orchestra, combines the talents of the finest of recenUy arrived Soviet emigre musicians from the Moscow and Leningrad Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras. Coming to the Center theater on March 28 will be a program of mime and music presented by Jon Harvey. as the mime. and Joemy Wilson. folk musician. In their presentation, entitled "Mime Musica," vocal and instrumental sounds are used to complement Harvey's per- formance as a mime. The program rar.ges from comedy and satire to moments of ....oignancy created by Harvey. The final concert of the 1~ season will feature a baroque ensemble of violin. oboe. cello. bassoon and harpsichord in a program called " Musical Offering" - named after one of the final compositions of J. S. Bach. During the recent annual meeting of the IWV Concert Association, three incumbents and two new IT'embers were chosen to serve on the board of directors for the coming year. They are Carl Helmick. Doug Sticht and Gene Younkin. incwnbents, and Jean Amundson and Peggy Johnson. who are the new board members. Five others whose terms of office on the board of directors are continuing are Gene Breitenstein, Jeff Grossman, Deanna Rolph. Lou Ava Seybold and Beaujorn Shull. Officers who will direct the activities of the Concert Association for the coming year were scheduled to be chosen during a meeting held Tuesday night by the board of directors. All active and retired military personnel, civilian DoD employees and their ramilies are eligible to attend this special event. Tickets may be purchased at the In- formation and Ticket Office located on the west side of the Community Center. Monday through Friday from B a.m. until 4 p.m. through July 1. Shoppers at NEX, advised to clip, save this column Navy Exchange patrons who may not know all the personalized services available and their location in the main retail store will undoubtedly like to clip this article and keep it for reference. Services available include: In the optical shop: eyeglass prescriptions filled. contact lenses, sunglasses. and repairs to glasses and frames. At the customer service desk : wa tch repair, camera repair, cobbler repair (shoes resoled. etc. ). items engraved. duraplak laminating, wedding invitations printed. customized Christmas cards. custom giftwrapping. flowers by wire. dry cleaning, tailoring, custom-made redwood signs, business cards printed. rubber stamps made and baby shoes bronzed. At the mini-mart: key duplicating. carpet cleaning equipm~nt rental, television rental, microwave rental, fishing licenses, and hunting licenses. At the jewelry counter: photo finishing. In the flower shop: plants, fresh cut flowers, and silk arrangements, Anyone with any further questions about services should contact the NEX by cailing 4_707. ext. 30. ~ekend Roundup Disc Jockey Fred Sweet will be spinning "Oldies but Goodies" tonight on stage at the Chief Petty Officers' Club. from 9to midnight. Members and their guests also are invited to enjoy Icelandic cod. prime rib. or other entrees from the CPO Club's regular menu from 6to 9o·clock. +++ It's nostalgia time at the Enlisted Mess tonight as "Harvey and the Wallbangers" present a "musical encounter with the 19505 for the dancing and tistening pleasure of patrons. The Los Angeles-based group. which features comedian Tom McGillen. will begin playing at 90·clock. The dining room will be open from 6 to 9 p.m., WIth porterhouse steak offered as the special of the evening. Saturday. diners may choose a steak or shrimp special from 6to 9p.m. +++ . Medallions of beef will be featured this evening during Membership Night at the Commissioned Officers' Mess. A local combo. "Easy Lovin·... will play from 8 to 12 o·clock. Cost for COM members and spouses is $5 each. and $6 for guests. June 24, 1983 -- I GI AlLAGESAOMITTEO w-u l Auch.nc:.. I PG I AllAGESAOMITTEO P~ rt"'~1 Gu......c. Su.....1'4 1M, MEn. leno u....... I"_rt' ~H."''''''''", P~, ...' • • _" ~ ,._ Regular starting time 7:00 p.m. FRIDAY JUNE 24 " HEIDI'S SONG" (Animation, rated G, 94 mm_) SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY JUNE 2S. 2t "YES GIORGID ~ Starring Luciano Payarotl! and Kathryn Harrold (MusicaIlComedy, Rilled PG, tIl min., SUNDAY, MONDAY JUNE 28, 27 " AIRPLANE II, THE SEQUEl" Starring Robert Hays and Julie Haogarty (ComedylSpool, Rated PG, 84 min.) TUESDAY JUNE28 Matinee, 2 p.m. " MYSTERY OF THE MILLION DOLLAR HOCKEY PUCK" Starring Michael McDonald and Angele KnIght lAdventure/Orama, RaledG, 89mln_) THURSDAY JUNE 30 Matinee, 2 p.rn " LADY AND THE TRAMP" (Animation, RatedG, 76mm_1 Electronic Warfare Dept. plans picnic July 17 at CPO Club A picnic for the Electronic Warfare Department (Code 35) has been scheduled July 17 from 4 to Bp.m. at the Chief Petty Officers' Club. Tickets for this event, priced at $6.50 each for barbecued steak dinners and $2 for hot dogs will go on sale July 1. The picnic fare includes baked beans, potatoes, salad, and soft drinks or beer. Those who attend are asked to bring a dessert to share. An assortment of activities, including a pie-throwing contest, a volleyball game. sack races, and a water balloon contest, have been planned for the evening. Contractors and friends are welcome to attend the picnic, but they must purchase tickets in advance at the Code 35 depart- ment office. For more information. call NWC ext. 3607 HONORED GUEST - Mrs. Anna Switzer attended Capt. Lahr's retirement party Monday during her first visit to China Lake since 1949. Her late husband. RAdm. W . G. Switzer, was the third Commander of what was then the Naval Ordnance Test Station. now NWC. - Photo by PHAN Greg Hogan 1'~ u.s.Goy.rnrn.nl Printing Offlc.: 191J-No. J2 From :____ ,..----, PLACE STAMP HERE To:________ I • nwc Change of Command June 24.1983 Vol. XXXVIII. No. 25 NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER CHINA LAKE CALIFORNIA Capt. Dickerson replaces Capt. Lahras Skipper of NVYC The mantle of leadership conveying military command of the Naval Weapons Center was transferred Tuesday morning from Capt. Lahr to Capt. Capt. K. A. Dickerson during a change of command ceremony that also marked Capt. Lahr's retirement following 29 years of active duty inthe Navy. On a perfect day weatherwise for such an occasion. Capt. Lahr was not only highly commended by each of the speakers who took part in this event. but he also was the recipient of the Legion of Merit which was presented on behalf of the President of the United States by Vice Admiral Robert Schoultz. Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare ). headquartered in Washington. D.C. Blue sky and the bright green. well- manicured lawn outside the Headquarters Building. with its huge shade trees. made a colorful setting for the white uniform·dad Navy officers, chiefs and enlisted personnel who were assembled for this special oc- casion. Military swords flashed brightly in the sun as the ritual of this time-honored ceremony was carried out, preceded by the parade of colors by a Navy and Marine Corps color guard, and martial music played by the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Drum and Bugle Corps from Twentymne Palms. Calif. Twice during the ceremony. a flight of four Navy aircraft zoomed overhead in a salute to Capt. Lahr. who told about his intense desire as a young boy to become a Navy attack pilot. and how he came to realize that dream, Vice Admiral Schoultz. guest speaker at the change of command ceremony, ex- pressed pleasure at the opportunity this event provided for him (I) "to recognize the continuing accomplishments and the im· portance of the Naval Weapons Center," and (2) "to pay tribute to the distinguished career of an old friend, a superb naval of· ficer. and a great American. Capt. Jude Lahr." The distinguished visitor from the CNO's office observed that China Lake "has come to be synonymous with creative thought, engineering excellence. and quality weapons." Mentioned specifically was Sidewinder, which he cited as a good example of NWC's approach to cradle-to-grave support of a weapons system. But there has been much more, VAdm. Shoultz added. In more recent times, the Center has provided important contributions to a wider variety of Navy programs. Mentioned by the visitor from Washington were such things as software support for the A-7E Corsair II aircraft, and the second sourcing of the Sparrow missile which. VAdm. LEGION OF MERIT PRE5-ENTED - The Legion of Merit. in recognition of Capt. Lahr's "exceptionally meritorious conduct" as NWC Com mander for the past two years, was presented to the departing Skipper by Vice Admiral Robert Schoultz during Tuesday's change of command ceremony. - Photo by PHAN Rebecca Gill , • CHANG E OF COMMAND - An exchange of salutes by Capt. Lahr (at right) and Capt. K. A. Dickerson makes it official as Capt. Dickerson becomes No. 23 on the list of Navy officers who have commanded the Naval Weapons Center or its forerunner - the U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station. Inyokern. - Photo by PHAN Rebecca Gill Shoultz said "has saved millions of dollars." "Almost every anti·radiation misSile in our inventory has the China Lake influence on it." the speaker continued, noting that " China Lake has the technical base for nearly any air-launched missile you care to name." It was the view of VAdm. Shoultz that the accomplishments the Naval Weapons Center has built up over the years have been made possible by a "unique chemistry that exists out here in the high desert.H He summarized the successsfully-combined ingredients as: (I) The close and effeclive working relationship that exists between military and civilian personnel. Each group, he said. brings important qualities that are necessary to the work being done here. (2) The presence of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Five - a squadron which he said "adds immeasurably to the capability and effectiveness of this Center." (3) The abundance of superb facilities to support the work. He called the ranges and test sites at China Lake "some of the best of their kind in the world." The newest ad- dition. the Weapons Systems Support Facility. will not only provide efficient software support; it will add to the overall capability of the Center. VAdm. Schoultz said. In paying tribute to Capt. Lahr and the outstanding way he has carried out the responsibilities of NWC Commander during his tour of duty here. VAdm.Shoultz said: " All of you have come to know him by now. He is far-sighted. tough, filled with energy. and outspoken," He credited the outgoing Skipper's efforts with making China Lake a smart. efficient place which is appreciated by military and civilian per- sonnel alike. " These improvements also have done much to improve the partnership between military and civilian personnel which is so important to the success of this Center." the speaker stated. VAdm. Schoultz congratulated Capt. Lahr for "an outstanding tour here as NWC Commander. and a superb naval career," and commended him for his great con- tributions to the Navy and the nation in combat or in management roles. Before leaving the podium. VAdm. Schoultz extended his best wishes for suc- cess to Capt. Dickerson as the latter assumed his new responsibilities. The new NWC Commander was described by the speaker as "an attack pilot with a wealth of operational experience, and with the right (Continued on Page 3) Weapons System Support Facility dedicated A day long-awaited at the Naval Weapons Center and elsewhere in the Navy among personnel whose work puts them in the forefront of aircraft weapons integration work took place here on June 15, when a ceremony celebrating the dedication of the Weapons System Support Facility (WSSF) was held. Built in less than two years' time at a cost of $5.1 million. the WSSF. which adjoins Hangar 3 at Armitage Airfield, will (during the coming months) house the F/A-IB Hornet and the AV~B Harrier program offices, as well as the laboratories, com· puting facilities. and shops required to support these programs, Because computers and other equipment which are in use cannot be taken off-tine simultaneously in order to be moved into the new building. this will have to be done a bit at a time. and it will be months before that effort has been completed and the WSSF is being utilized toits maximum capability. Distinguished guests and visitors were welcomed to the building dedication ceremony by Dr. Edward K. Kutchma, head of the Aircraft Weapons Integration Department, while the ceremonial ribbon· cutting that signalled the opening of the new structure was handled by Capt. Lahr and G. R.Schiefer, Deputy Technical Director. Principal speaker at the WSSF dedication was George W. Swiggum, who heads the Navy Material Command's Laboratory Planning and Facilities Division, " Weapons integration activities culminate a long line of work (ranging from ideas in a laboratory or on a drawing board to experimental hardware). and this facility will provide a cornerstone for ac· complishing one of the final steps in this work," Dr. Kutchma said as he introduced the NAVMAT official. "I welcome in a number of ways the opportunity to be present at this dedication. and to share some thoughts related to the occasion," Swiggum said. He summarized these thoughts by stating: H I beHeve the way to remain ahead of our probable enemies must be inexorably pursued through research and develop- ment." Swiggum also expressed his view that the MILCON (military construction) program is linked inextricably to defense research and development decisions which " will insure our military leadership and technical advantages in the future." In addition, he painted out that facilities do not just happen of themselves. It takes a lot of hard work to get any facility these days. he added. "Two imposing challenges face the (Continued on Page S) George W. Swiggum principal speaker , OCR Text: - Sea World to host 14th annual Navy Night fete July 3 San Diego's Sea World will host the 14th annual Navy Night celebration beginning at Bp.m. on Sunday. July 3. For just $5.75 (a 50 percent savings over the regular admission price) visitors can enjoy five hours of entertainment including six new aquatic shows, a special appear- apce by " Up With People." and the unique Penguin Encounter. The penguin exhibit is the only facility of its kind in the world, It showcases six dif· ferent species. APPRECIATION EXPRESSED- Jlln uhr. wife of the former Skipper. tells the group gllth.red at ~pt. Lahr's retirement ~rty Monday evening how much she and her husbAnd enjoyed their stay at China Lake and the friendships formed here, as Capt. Lahr looks at one of the gifts they received. Seen between them is the Larry Zabel painting that WilS presented as the milior farewell gift from those assembled to wish them well. Visitors may observe the birds' natural behaviors from a moving sidewalk that transports guests past l()o"foot viewing windows, or on 16 TV monitors placed around an upper viewing deck. The energetic musical group "Up With People" is a youthful combination of singers, dancers and musicians, who have presented their dynamic program in countries around the world. IWV Concert Ass'n plans series of six programs next season In addition. Navy Night will feature Shamu, the killer whale. in the new show; a brilliant fireworks display; and unlimited free rides on the PSA Skytower and the Atlantis Skyride. A series of six concerts will be offered during the 1983-&1 season by the Indian Wells Valley Concert Association at the Center theater, beginning next October. Present Concert Association members are urged to return their season ticket renewal forms, so that seat reassignments for renewing members can be completed before the sale of season tickets to new members begins. Seats not reserved by tomorrow will be subject to reassignment to other Concert Association members. Seat changes for renewing members will be handled from July 5through Aug. 15. with assignments for new members starting shortly thereafter. Prospective new members may contact the Concert Association by calling 375-5600 at anytime for information, or to be replaced on the " new member'I list. i The 1983~ concert season is schedulet..! for a lively opening on Thursday. Oct. 30: Featured in the inaugural program of the IWV Concert Association's 37th season will be the New American Ragtime Ensemble. This 12-member orchestra was founded,in 1976 and is directed by Tom Maguire. The group employs the traditional ragtime instrwnents - flute, piccolo, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, two violins, viola, cello. piano and percussion. During its concert programs. the New. American Ragtime Ensemble recreates the time when ragtime music was the rage by also appearing in turn-ilf-the century formal dress. On Wednesday, Nov. 30. Western Opera Theater, the San Francisco Opera Center's touring company, will present a fully staged version (in English) of Puccini's " Madame Butterfly." Coming here on Tuesday, Jan. 10. 1984, will be the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Brought together in 1979 by the reowned guitarist Pepe Romero. the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet combines the talents of four gifted solo artists. This group has developed a unique and widely varied repertoire for guitar en- Avoid wait at Rx counter by getting to pharmacy early While the NRMC branch clinic pharmacy will happily refill all prescriptions written by the clinic or by the Long Beach Naval Hospital. it will not refill any prescriptions from other commands. Prescriptions written by civilian doctors will not be filled after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends. There will be no exceptions to this ruling. Clinic pharmacy hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Those who wish to save themselves time spent waiting are advised to bring their prescriptions in between 7:30 and 10 a.m.• or from 12:30to 3p.m. sembles, ranging from Renaissance dances to the music of Spain. as well as music olthe 20th century. On Monday, Feb. 'n. the Center theater will be the setting for a program by the Soviet Emigre Orchestra. This III-member orchestra, directed by Lazar Gosman, former music director of the renowned Leningrad Chamber Orchestra, combines the talents of the finest of recenUy arrived Soviet emigre musicians from the Moscow and Leningrad Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras. Coming to the Center theater on March 28 will be a program of mime and music presented by Jon Harvey. as the mime. and Joemy Wilson. folk musician. In their presentation, entitled "Mime Musica," vocal and instrumental sounds are used to complement Harvey's per- formance as a mime. The program rar.ges from comedy and satire to moments of ....oignancy created by Harvey. The final concert of the 1~ season will feature a baroque ensemble of violin. oboe. cello. bassoon and harpsichord in a program called " Musical Offering" - named after one of the final compositions of J. S. Bach. During the recent annual meeting of the IWV Concert Association, three incumbents and two new IT'embers were chosen to serve on the board of directors for the coming year. They are Carl Helmick. Doug Sticht and Gene Younkin. incwnbents, and Jean Amundson and Peggy Johnson. who are the new board members. Five others whose terms of office on the board of directors are continuing are Gene Breitenstein, Jeff Grossman, Deanna Rolph. Lou Ava Seybold and Beaujorn Shull. Officers who will direct the activities of the Concert Association for the coming year were scheduled to be chosen during a meeting held Tuesday night by the board of directors. All active and retired military personnel, civilian DoD employees and their ramilies are eligible to attend this special event. Tickets may be purchased at the In- formation and Ticket Office located on the west side of the Community Center. Monday through Friday from B a.m. until 4 p.m. through July 1. Shoppers at NEX, advised to clip, save this column Navy Exchange patrons who may not know all the personalized services available and their location in the main retail store will undoubtedly like to clip this article and keep it for reference. Services available include: In the optical shop: eyeglass prescriptions filled. contact lenses, sunglasses. and repairs to glasses and frames. At the customer service desk : wa tch repair, camera repair, cobbler repair (shoes resoled. etc. ). items engraved. duraplak laminating, wedding invitations printed. customized Christmas cards. custom giftwrapping. flowers by wire. dry cleaning, tailoring, custom-made redwood signs, business cards printed. rubber stamps made and baby shoes bronzed. At the mini-mart: key duplicating. carpet cleaning equipm~nt rental, television rental, microwave rental, fishing licenses, and hunting licenses. At the jewelry counter: photo finishing. In the flower shop: plants, fresh cut flowers, and silk arrangements, Anyone with any further questions about services should contact the NEX by cailing 4_707. ext. 30. ~ekend Roundup Disc Jockey Fred Sweet will be spinning "Oldies but Goodies" tonight on stage at the Chief Petty Officers' Club. from 9to midnight. Members and their guests also are invited to enjoy Icelandic cod. prime rib. or other entrees from the CPO Club's regular menu from 6to 9o·clock. It's nostalgia time at the Enlisted Mess tonight as "Harvey and the Wallbangers" present a "musical encounter with the 19505 for the dancing and tistening pleasure of patrons. The Los Angeles-based group. which features comedian Tom McGillen. will begin playing at 90·clock. The dining room will be open from 6 to 9 p.m., WIth porterhouse steak offered as the special of the evening. Saturday. diners may choose a steak or shrimp special from 6to 9p.m. . Medallions of beef will be featured this evening during Membership Night at the Commissioned Officers' Mess. A local combo. "Easy Lovin·... will play from 8 to 12 o·clock. Cost for COM members and spouses is $5 each. and $6 for guests. June 24, 1983 -- I GI AlLAGESAOMITTEO w-u l Auch.nc:.. I PG I AllAGESAOMITTEO P~ rt"'~1 Gu......c. Su.....1'4 1M, MEn. leno u....... I"_rt' ~H."''''''''", P~, ...' • • _" ~ ,._ Regular starting time 7:00 p.m. FRIDAY JUNE 24 " HEIDI'S SONG" (Animation, rated G, 94 mm_) SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY JUNE 2S. 2t "YES GIORGID ~ Starring Luciano Payarotl! and Kathryn Harrold (MusicaIlComedy, Rilled PG, tIl min., SUNDAY, MONDAY JUNE 28, 27 " AIRPLANE II, THE SEQUEl" Starring Robert Hays and Julie Haogarty (ComedylSpool, Rated PG, 84 min.) TUESDAY JUNE28 Matinee, 2 p.m. " MYSTERY OF THE MILLION DOLLAR HOCKEY PUCK" Starring Michael McDonald and Angele KnIght lAdventure/Orama, RaledG, 89mln_) THURSDAY JUNE 30 Matinee, 2 p.rn " LADY AND THE TRAMP" (Animation, RatedG, 76mm_1 Electronic Warfare Dept. plans picnic July 17 at CPO Club A picnic for the Electronic Warfare Department (Code 35) has been scheduled July 17 from 4 to Bp.m. at the Chief Petty Officers' Club. Tickets for this event, priced at $6.50 each for barbecued steak dinners and $2 for hot dogs will go on sale July 1. The picnic fare includes baked beans, potatoes, salad, and soft drinks or beer. Those who attend are asked to bring a dessert to share. An assortment of activities, including a pie-throwing contest, a volleyball game. sack races, and a water balloon contest, have been planned for the evening. Contractors and friends are welcome to attend the picnic, but they must purchase tickets in advance at the Code 35 depart- ment office. For more information. call NWC ext. 3607 HONORED GUEST - Mrs. Anna Switzer attended Capt. Lahr's retirement party Monday during her first visit to China Lake since 1949. Her late husband. RAdm. W . G. Switzer, was the third Commander of what was then the Naval Ordnance Test Station. now NWC. - Photo by PHAN Greg Hogan 1'~ u.s.Goy.rnrn.nl Printing Offlc.: 191J-No. J2 From :____ ,..----, PLACE STAMP HERE To:________ I • nwc Change of Command June 24.1983 Vol. XXXVIII. No. 25 NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER CHINA LAKE CALIFORNIA Capt. Dickerson replaces Capt. Lahras Skipper of NVYC The mantle of leadership conveying military command of the Naval Weapons Center was transferred Tuesday morning from Capt. Lahr to Capt. Capt. K. A. Dickerson during a change of command ceremony that also marked Capt. Lahr's retirement following 29 years of active duty inthe Navy. On a perfect day weatherwise for such an occasion. Capt. Lahr was not only highly commended by each of the speakers who took part in this event. but he also was the recipient of the Legion of Merit which was presented on behalf of the President of the United States by Vice Admiral Robert Schoultz. Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare ). headquartered in Washington. D.C. Blue sky and the bright green. well- manicured lawn outside the Headquarters Building. with its huge shade trees. made a colorful setting for the white uniform·dad Navy officers, chiefs and enlisted personnel who were assembled for this special oc- casion. Military swords flashed brightly in the sun as the ritual of this time-honored ceremony was carried out, preceded by the parade of colors by a Navy and Marine Corps color guard, and martial music played by the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Drum and Bugle Corps from Twentymne Palms. Calif. Twice during the ceremony. a flight of four Navy aircraft zoomed overhead in a salute to Capt. Lahr. who told about his intense desire as a young boy to become a Navy attack pilot. and how he came to realize that dream, Vice Admiral Schoultz. guest speaker at the change of command ceremony, ex- pressed pleasure at the opportunity this event provided for him (I) "to recognize the continuing accomplishments and the im· portance of the Naval Weapons Center," and (2) "to pay tribute to the distinguished career of an old friend, a superb naval of· ficer. and a great American. Capt. Jude Lahr." The distinguished visitor from the CNO's office observed that China Lake "has come to be synonymous with creative thought, engineering excellence. and quality weapons." Mentioned specifically was Sidewinder, which he cited as a good example of NWC's approach to cradle-to-grave support of a weapons system. But there has been much more, VAdm. Shoultz added. In more recent times, the Center has provided important contributions to a wider variety of Navy programs. Mentioned by the visitor from Washington were such things as software support for the A-7E Corsair II aircraft, and the second sourcing of the Sparrow missile which. VAdm. LEGION OF MERIT PRE5-ENTED - The Legion of Merit. in recognition of Capt. Lahr's "exceptionally meritorious conduct" as NWC Com mander for the past two years, was presented to the departing Skipper by Vice Admiral Robert Schoultz during Tuesday's change of command ceremony. - Photo by PHAN Rebecca Gill , • CHANG E OF COMMAND - An exchange of salutes by Capt. Lahr (at right) and Capt. K. A. Dickerson makes it official as Capt. Dickerson becomes No. 23 on the list of Navy officers who have commanded the Naval Weapons Center or its forerunner - the U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station. Inyokern. - Photo by PHAN Rebecca Gill Shoultz said "has saved millions of dollars." "Almost every anti·radiation misSile in our inventory has the China Lake influence on it." the speaker continued, noting that " China Lake has the technical base for nearly any air-launched missile you care to name." It was the view of VAdm. Shoultz that the accomplishments the Naval Weapons Center has built up over the years have been made possible by a "unique chemistry that exists out here in the high desert.H He summarized the successsfully-combined ingredients as: (I) The close and effeclive working relationship that exists between military and civilian personnel. Each group, he said. brings important qualities that are necessary to the work being done here. (2) The presence of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Five - a squadron which he said "adds immeasurably to the capability and effectiveness of this Center." (3) The abundance of superb facilities to support the work. He called the ranges and test sites at China Lake "some of the best of their kind in the world." The newest ad- dition. the Weapons Systems Support Facility. will not only provide efficient software support; it will add to the overall capability of the Center. VAdm. Schoultz said. In paying tribute to Capt. Lahr and the outstanding way he has carried out the responsibilities of NWC Commander during his tour of duty here. VAdm.Shoultz said: " All of you have come to know him by now. He is far-sighted. tough, filled with energy. and outspoken," He credited the outgoing Skipper's efforts with making China Lake a smart. efficient place which is appreciated by military and civilian per- sonnel alike. " These improvements also have done much to improve the partnership between military and civilian personnel which is so important to the success of this Center." the speaker stated. VAdm. Schoultz congratulated Capt. Lahr for "an outstanding tour here as NWC Commander. and a superb naval career," and commended him for his great con- tributions to the Navy and the nation in combat or in management roles. Before leaving the podium. VAdm. Schoultz extended his best wishes for suc- cess to Capt. Dickerson as the latter assumed his new responsibilities. The new NWC Commander was described by the speaker as "an attack pilot with a wealth of operational experience, and with the right (Continued on Page 3) Weapons System Support Facility dedicated A day long-awaited at the Naval Weapons Center and elsewhere in the Navy among personnel whose work puts them in the forefront of aircraft weapons integration work took place here on June 15, when a ceremony celebrating the dedication of the Weapons System Support Facility (WSSF) was held. Built in less than two years' time at a cost of $5.1 million. the WSSF. which adjoins Hangar 3 at Armitage Airfield, will (during the coming months) house the F/A-IB Hornet and the AV~B Harrier program offices, as well as the laboratories, com· puting facilities. and shops required to support these programs, Because computers and other equipment which are in use cannot be taken off-tine simultaneously in order to be moved into the new building. this will have to be done a bit at a time. and it will be months before that effort has been completed and the WSSF is being utilized toits maximum capability. Distinguished guests and visitors were welcomed to the building dedication ceremony by Dr. Edward K. Kutchma, head of the Aircraft Weapons Integration Department, while the ceremonial ribbon· cutting that signalled the opening of the new structure was handled by Capt. Lahr and G. R.Schiefer, Deputy Technical Director. Principal speaker at the WSSF dedication was George W. Swiggum, who heads the Navy Material Command's Laboratory Planning and Facilities Division, " Weapons integration activities culminate a long line of work (ranging from ideas in a laboratory or on a drawing board to experimental hardware). and this facility will provide a cornerstone for ac· complishing one of the final steps in this work," Dr. Kutchma said as he introduced the NAVMAT official. "I welcome in a number of ways the opportunity to be present at this dedication. and to share some thoughts related to the occasion," Swiggum said. He summarized these thoughts by stating: H I beHeve the way to remain ahead of our probable enemies must be inexorably pursued through research and develop- ment." Swiggum also expressed his view that the MILCON (military construction) program is linked inextricably to defense research and development decisions which " will insure our military leadership and technical advantages in the future." In addition, he painted out that facilities do not just happen of themselves. It takes a lot of hard work to get any facility these days. he added. "Two imposing challenges face the (Continued on Page S) George W. Swiggum principal speaker , China Lake Museum,Rocketeer Newspaper,Rocketeer 1980s,Rocketeer 1983,Rktr6.24.1983.pdf,Rktr6.24.1983.pdf Page 1, Rktr6.24.1983.pdf Page 1

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