1423 Powhatan St., Suite 1
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Phone (703) 836-6727
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Email: asnehq@navalengineers.org

Candidate for President



RADM Mark Hugel, USN (Ret.)


RADM Mark Hugel, USN (Ret.) was commissioned in June 1977 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in systems engineering from the United States Naval Academy. He was accepted into the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program and was subsequently assigned to sea tours on USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Mississippi (CGN 40), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). While assigned to Mississippi he was designated a surface warfare officer, and during his tour on Abraham Lincoln he was accepted for lateral transfer into the Engineering Duty Officer program. In June 1992, RADM Hugel completed his graduate education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a Master of Science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering, and a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He subsequently served in acquisition, shipbuilding, and ship repair tours at Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Newport News, VA and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In his third tour at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, he was the 100th Shipyard Commander. After promotion to flag rank, he was Deputy Director for Fleet Readiness (OPNAV N43B) on the Chief of Naval Operations staff, and his last active duty assignment was as Deputy Commander, Logistics, Maintenance and Industrial Operations (SEA04) at the Naval Sea Systems Command. After retiring in 2009, he began his employment with CACI and was selected to lead CACI’s Norfolk, VA office. As a Senior Vice President at CACI, he is continuing his lifelong work as a Navy logistics and maintenance professional. He has been an ASNE member since 1990 and is active in the ASNE Tidewater Section.

I view ASNE’s important role serving the Naval Engineering community is to act as an incubator for professional improvement – an enabler to stimulate the sharing of ideas, processes and new ways of thinking about our calling to support the maritime services with our talents, intellect and desire to innovate. ASNE brings together our government professionals (military and civilian) with industry to leverage the best of both worlds. Perhaps more importantly, ASNE must continue to bring together our newest naval engineers with our most seasoned to help sustain the legacy of world-class naval engineering this country has enjoyed throughout our history.



Candidates for Vice President



CAPT Joseph Johnson, USNR (Ret.)


Active in the American Society of Naval Engineers for over 23 years, currently serving since 2004 as the National Combat Systems Symposium Chairman. Graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science; and, in 1989 earned a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Navy active duty assignments: served in USS Joseph Hewes (FF 1078) as Damage Control Assistant; USS Thorn (DD 988) as Operations Officer and Chief Engineer; and USS Thomas S Gates (CG 51) as Operations Officer. Qualifications include Surface Warfare Officer, Engineering Officer of the Watch (Gas Turbine), and Command at Sea Qualified. Navy reserve assignments over 18 years: commanded the Fleet Support Training (FST) Detachment and Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) Norfolk Detachment Ten; Executive Officer of the following units: Assault Craft Unit Two (ACU-2), OPNAV N3/N5, Military Sealift Command (MSC) Detachment 106 and Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) – Norfolk; Senior Naval Directorate Lead (SNDL) for J9, NR USJFCOM Detachment 206. Retired from the Navy Reserves in 2012 at the rank of Captain.

In the Defense Industry since 1995, employed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) since 1998 and currently a Senior Director for Program Management. Have extensive experience in shipboard combat, command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C5I) systems engineering management and design, as well as C5I systems integration and interoperability. Since 2010, have been leading a team of 130 Engineers from over fifteen Companies, as the Program Manager for SAIC’s Engineering Support Services contract with PEO IWS 1/7/9. Since 2013, serves as SAIC’s National Chairman for the Military Veterans Business Resource Group; recently awarded the 2018 Excellence in Partnership (EIP) Veteran’s Employment Award by The Coalition for Government Procurement.

Reside in Annapolis, MD with wife of 33 years, Lois; have one son, Joseph III (29).

Candidate for ASNE Vice President:

In 1995, I was introduced to ASNE by serving on the Combat Systems Symposium (CSS) Committee as a Session Aide; have continuously served on the CSS Committee, rising up to become the National Committee Chair in 2004. The CSS has become one of the most successful and efficiently run events in the ASNE portfolio of symposia. Have also served on the ASNE National Council (2016-2017). My ASNE goals and objectives are: (1) increasing membership by making ASNE the “society of choice”, especially by recruiting and retaining younger engineers, (2) increasing ASNE relevancy to the Navy and her Sailors by providing an extensive portfolio of education, training, experiences and mentoring opportunities, and (3) increasing the value of all symposia and ASNE sponsored events for Students, Sailors and our Industry Partners. The Society is poised to move to the next level and I look forward to contributing and enabling our success.


RADM J. Clarke Orzalli, USN (Ret.)


Rear Admiral (retired) Orzalli completed 34 years of commissioned service in 2012. At sea he served aboard USS Snook (SSN 592) and USS Helena (SSN 725). Ashore, Rear Adm (ret) Orzalli served at the U.S. Naval Academy; Submarine Development Group One, the Navy Staff and at Naval Shipyards in Bremerton Washington and Kittery Maine. Rear Adm. (ret) Orzalli was the 45th shipyard commander at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard from 2002 - 2005. During his command tour, he assumed additional duties in establishing the Northwest Regional Maintenance Center.

Following selection to flag rank, Orzalli again served on the Navy Staff where he chaired the Joint Group on Depot Maintenance, then established commander, Regional Maintenance Centers. Orzalli was then the director of Fleet Maintenance on the staff of commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command prior to becoming the Vice Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, his final tour.

Orzalli holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Engineer and Masters of Materials Science and Engineering degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Systems Management from Golden Gate University.

Following retirement from the Navy, RADM (ret) Orzalli worked with Dassault Systems for 6 years before forming his own company, DADMIRALTY LLC. He continues to work on innovation in government through application of new technology. In addition to serving on the BOD for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, he is the president of the National Defense Industrial Association – New England Chapter. After being appointed by Governor Baker in June 2015, he has served as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ representative to the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, tasked with breaking down the scholastic barriers children of military parents experience as they move from one duty station to another. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Caleb Group – providing affordable housing in New England and the Thresher Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery – striving to erect a memorial to USS Thresher (SSN 593) in the National Cemetery. He has recently been added to the Board of Directors of Kingsbury Thrust Bearings.

RADM Orzalli received the ASNE Prize at the US Naval Academy in 1978, was section chairman for the Tidewater ASNE Section, served two terms as an elected member of the ASNE Council and is a frequent moderator, speaker and author at ASNE Events.



Candidates for Council



CAPT Gregg W. Baumann, USN (Ret.)


Captain (Ret) Baumann is a native of Vestal, NY. He graduated from Clarkson University in 1986 with a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering. Following graduation, he joined the Navy and was commissioned in 1987 through Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. Baumann also earned a Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering and completed the Total Ship’s Systems Engineering (TSSE) program at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.

Baumann’s first assignment was aboard USS Gridley (CG 21) serving as the Electronic Warfare Officer, Boiler’s Officer, and the Ship’s Material Maintenance Officer. Following his sea tour, Baumann was selected to the Engineering Duty Officer Community (EDO) and completed training at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, in Panama City, FL.

As an EDO, Baumann served as: Project Officer to the Morgan City, LA detachment of the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP), New Orleans; Production Officer for the SUPSHIP New Orleans detachment in Ingleside, TX; Production Officer and Diving Officer at the Navy’s Ship Repair Facility (SRF) in Sasebo, Japan; and Assistant for Salvage in NAVSEA’s Office of the Supervisor of Diving & Salvage.

Baumann continued his career with tours as the EDO Detailer and Community Manager; DDG 51 Program Manager’s Representative, SUPSHIP Bath, ME; Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Ship programs and the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN RD&A); Program Manager of PMS 326 at NAVSEA, “International Fleet Support Programs”; and the Navy Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving.

He has been a long time member and supporter of the American Society of Naval Engineers since the early 1990’s. Baumann served as Chairman of the Monterey Bay Chapter where he helped lead the Chapter to winning multiple national ASNE awards. He has authored and been published in the ASNE Journal and has also been the guest speaker for numerous ASNE events. He is currently serving on the National Council.

Baumann has earned a Legion of Merit (w/ two gold stars), Meritorious Service Medal (w/ four gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (w/ two gold stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He resides in Fairfax, VA.


Mr. Joseph Beel


Joe Beel is a Strategic Programs Manager and Defense Strategist for Cisco Systems. He focuses on developing innovative solutions and new opportunities across the Department of Defense.

Joe retired from the Navy as a captain after serving as Commanding Officer of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC PAC) where he led a 4500-person global workforce in execution of more than $2.6B each year in research, development, engineering, integration, delivery and support of information intensive warfighter capabilities. He served numerous operational tours as a helicopter pilot flying from frigates and cruisers as well as on various Navy staffs. In addition to service as an acquisition professional in the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), he also served in the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering Service Command (NATEC) where he led a global technical services delivery team that supported all Navy and Marine Corps aviation units around the world. He directed the execution of more than $85M annually and implemented the command’s first Commercial Off The Shelf customer response management solution.

Joe holds a MS (with distinction) in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. He served as a Federal Executive Fellow at the Rand Corporation where he performed analysis focused on the use of technology to improve mission effectiveness and optimize manning. He received the Government Information Technology Executive Council 2017 Industry Leadership Award and was recognized by the Federal Laboratory Consortium as the 2014 Federal Laboratory Director of the Year. He is a Navy certified Lean Six Sigma black belt and level III certified in four defense acquisition career fields.


Mr. Cary Bledsoe


For the past 11 years have served as Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President for STIMULUS Engineering Services, Inc., a company I started in 2007 providing technical engineering services primarily to the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division. I managed the day-to-day activities of STIMULUS, leading a management team that recruits talent, monitors performance, and pursues business development opportunities. Areas of expertise include proving talent to solve and support Maritime Electronic Warfare workload as well as being the leading provider for NSWC Crane in Workforce Development and Evaluation tasking. STIMULUS designed, provided and managed course curriculum for all employees at NSWC Crane. My career has spanned over 30 years, providing hands-on engineering and technical expertise, project management and team leading experience, and invaluable knowledge of the needs and requirements of customers. For the first 20+ years of my career I was a government employee at NSWC Crane serving in various roles. My experience included being a Branch Manager for programs that supported the Open Architecture initiative and Surface Navy Electro Optics.

Currently, I serve on the ASNE Ways and Means Committee and have since May 2009. We review the annual and symposia budgets and make recommendations for the financial well-being of the society. I have been an ASNE member since 2001 and served two terms from 2002-2006 as the Chairman of the local Southern Indiana Section.

Over the years I have supported many different activities of the Society. Having played roles either formally or informally at the local conferences or at ASNE Days. The understanding and importance of having a forum for which Society topics can be discussed openly is an important issue to me. Another concern for me is the financial viability of the Society and this leads to Society membership. I believe the strength of ASNE rests with the local Sections and I will support their needs in helping them align with the overall goals of the ASNE National Office.

My education includes a B.S. in Electronics Engineering from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and a Certificate in Public Management from IUPUI.


CAPT Willian Crow, USN (Ret.)


Born and raised in Morganfield, KY, Bill Crow graduated in 1980 from the United States Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as Ensign in the United States Navy. He also holds a Master of Science degree from the National Defense University Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

His Navy career included at-sea assignments of various division officer billets and Chief Engineer in USS PHARRIS (FF-1094), Assistant Operations Officer of Commander Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Six, an extended department head tour as Chief Engineer in USS BRISCOE (DD-977), Material Officer for Commander Destroyer Squadrons Ten & Two, Executive Officer of USS Peterson (DD-969), Commanding Officer of USS Austin (LPD-4), and Training and Readiness Assistant Chief of Staff for Commander Amphibious Group Two.

Ashore, he served the Navy as instructor at SWOSCOLCOM for Steam Engineering, SWO Programs Officer for COMNAVSURFLANT, Chief Staff Officer to the Commandant, Naval District, Washington, COMOPTEVFOR Surface Warfare Director, and Executive Officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base. He completed his 30 years of military service as the last Commanding Officer of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, and the first Commander of Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek-Fort Story, with the transfer of the Army's Fort Story at Cape Henry, Virginia to the Navy on October 1, 2009.

After retirement from the Navy in July of 2010, he transitioned into the private business sector as a Senior Naval Consultant for McKean Defense Group. His primary responsibility was to review policy and procedures and to develop recommendations for implementation to improve the Navy’s conventional surface ship maintenance and modernization.

He assumed his current duties as President of the Virginia Ship Repair Association on September 18, 2012.

Bill is married to the former Jeanne Boucher of Chesapeake, VA. They currently reside in the Great Bridge community in Chesapeake, VA and are the proud parents of their four adult children: John, Karen, Sara and Kevin.


Dr. E. Michael Golda


Dr. Golda is the Chief Technoloogy Officer of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division. The Philadelphia Division, the former Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station (NAVSSES), is the Navy’s center for providing full spectrum engineering for surface and undersea vehicle machinery, machinery systems, and related equipment and material. Dr. Golda manages the Division’s internal research, intellectual property initiatives, and university partnerships.

Since 1997, Dr. Golda has held positions of increasing leadership responsibility in machinery research. He successfully relocated the Electrical Systems Department of the Carderock Division Annapolis Detachment from Annapolis, MD to Philadelphia, PA as part of the 1995 BRAC. Dr. Golda joined the Annapolis Detachment in 1992. He held various engineering positions in projects focused on large-scale naval applications of superconductivity.

Dr. Golda is the 2012 recipient of the American Society of Naval Engineers Frank G. Law Award (Service to ASNE). He also received the 2009 Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division Captain Harold E. Saunders Award for Exemplary Technical Management.

Captain Golda, United States Navy (Retired) earned both Surface Warfare Officer and Engineering Duty Officer designators. His active duty tours included a surface combatant and the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, Brooklyn. He commanded four Navy Reserve units. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards).

A member of the Department of Defense Acquisition Professional Community, he holds a Level III Career Certification in Engineering. He has been an active member of the American Society of Naval Engineer since he joined as a Midshipman in 1975. Dr. Golda has served on the ASNE Journal Committee, as Chairman, Flagship Section (1998-1999), and has been Program or Technical Chair for four ASNE conferences. He is the author of the Naval Engineers Journal “Know Brainer” history page.

Dr. Golda graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering. He received his Masters and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey. He has authored thirty-three reports and papers.

Personal Statements:

Our Navy and our Society face significant challenges. Our Navy faces two near-peer competitors who are rapidly expanding their capabilities. Our Navy must grow substantially in the shortest time possible through new construction and service life extensions of the current Fleet to effectively protect our national interests. Our Society faces significant challenges from the changing demographics of our membership and the cultural expectations of our newest members. Our Society must steward the hard-won knowledge and experience of past and current naval engineers while actively experimenting with new approaches that will enable the American Society of Naval Engineers to best meet the needs and expectations of our younger and future members.

I seek your vote to represent you on the National Council as an advocate for the continued evolution of our Society. Our Society must provide all of our members with forums in which they are comfortable to actively engage in the rigorous pursuit and growth of the profession of naval engineering. These forums must provide our members with personal, professional value; tangible value that attracts new members and retains current members. Past generations of members of the American Society of Naval Engineers have given us a proud, 130-year heritage of surmounting difficult challenges. I ask you to join me in actively engaging in our profession and our Society to continue that heritage.


CDR Thomas Hekman, USN (Ret.)


Tom Hekman is currently employed as a Program manager for Life Cycle Engineering Inc. of Charleston South Carolina working out of their San Diego office. Mr. Hekman is responsible for managing LCE’s support to Navy organizations on the San Diego waterfront.

Mr. Hekman served 20 years on active duty retiring as a Commander in 2006. His final duty station was as the Deputy ACOS for Maintenance and Engineering (N43) at Commander Naval Surface Forces. He also served as the Force Engineer during that time period. He was responsible for the development and submission of all POM submissions, management of all Force engineering programs, technical oversight of work performed on naval vessels, approval of departures from specification, management of the SURFPAC maintenance budget and the overall engineering readiness of the surface force. During this time Mr. Hekman spearheaded the development and implantation of the SURFOR Diesel Readiness Initiative, Distance Support and Condition Based Maintenance, the use of equipment monitoring data ashore to support fleet technical assistance afloat and he provided the initial TYCOM support to revitalizing the steam engineering programs at NSWCPD. Prior to that assignment he served as the Repair Officer and earlier as the Production Officer at SIMA San Diego. Mr. Hekman served four tours at sea and served as the Aide to the Commander in Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Mr. Hekman holds a M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) from the Naval Postgraduate School (1998). He holds an M.S. in Systems Engineering (Electronic Warfare) from the Naval Postgraduate School (1993) and a B.A. in History from Virginia Tech (1986).

Mr. Hekman was published in the September 2015 Naval Engineers Journal. He has supported FMMS as a Committee Member, VIP and Flag Officer liaison, Panel Moderator and as a member of the papers committee.

Past decisions affecting acquisition, life cycle ownership of ship systems, manning and training has produced interesting challenges for the field of naval engineering. We as professional naval engineers must search for solutions that support the products being delivered while maintaining sound engineering and operational practices. We need to help the sailors effectively field the tools they are provided, find innovative ways to support the sailor and the fleet in the face of increasing operational demands and help the fleet to achieve 40 plus year service life of our ships while keeping our systems current.


CAPT David Herbein, USN (Ret.)


Dave Herbein was commissioned from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1975 with a B.S. in Marine Engineering. He served as a submarine warfare officer in USS RICHARD B. RUSSELL (SSN 687) and USS ANDREW JACKSON (SSBN 619 (G)) before transferring to the Engineering Duty Officer community, obtaining an M. S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and Naval Engineer degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1987. His ED tours in industrial activities included Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Repair Officer on USS CANOPUS (AS 34), and Operations Officer at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. In 1996, he was assigned as Deputy Director of the Submarine Design and Systems Engineering Group (SEA05U) of Naval Sea Systems Command. From 2000-2003, he was Commanding Officer of the Submarine Maintenance Engineering, Planning and Procurement (SUBMEPP) Activity in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. During his last two years on active duty, he was the Professor of Naval Construction and Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT. Upon retirement from the Navy in June 2005, Dave was employed by Dell Services Federal Government and then ICI Services in Dover, NH, as Director of Operations, managing support service contracts with SUBMEPP, NAVSHIPYD PTSMH, NAVSEALOGCEN, and PMS505. He retired from that position in June 2015.

Dave has been an ASNE Member since 1972. He has held all Section Council positions in the Northern New England Section: Treasurer 2001-2, Secretary 2015-16, Vice-Chair 2002-3 and 2016-19, and Chair 2014-16. Dave served as the Vice-Chair of the Northern New England Section sponsored symposium ‘Designing Warships for Zero Maintenance’ held in Portsmouth, NH in August 2003. He was co-author of a technical paper The Foundational Building Blocks of Achieving Ship Service Life: ‘O’ and ‘I’ Level Maintenance and co-presented same at the 2011 Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium in San Diego, CA. In June 2018, Dave accepted an appointment as the Sections Committee Chair.


CAPT Sherman Metcalf, USN (Ret.)


Sherman Metcalf currently serves as a Senior Analyst at AUSGAR Technologies, Inc., San Diego, CA. He has also served as the Director of West Coast Operations for both VT MILCOM, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA and Engineering Services Network, Arlington VA.

On active duty he served 20 years as an Engineering Duty Officer (EDO). During this period, he served as the Program Manager over the Advanced Automated Tactical Communications Program at PEO C4I, San Diego, CA; Director of the Integrated Information Systems Engineering Group at NAVSEA (05J), Washington DC; Officer-In-Charge of SPAWAR Systems Activity Pacific, Pearl Harbor, HI; and Combat Systems Inspector for the Pacific Fleet Board of Inspection and Survey. Prior to becoming an EDO, he served as the Electronic Material Officer and Gunnery Officer onboard the USS COCHRANE (DDG 21).

He is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community. He is Level III certified in Program Management (PM) and Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering (SPRDE). He is also a life time member of AFCEA. He holds a MSCS from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a BSME from Purdue University.

In today’s environment, the navy is forced with a multitude of challenges. One specific challenge comes in the form of cyber awareness and defense. This issue is of great significance to our Fleet and well within the realm of responding by naval engineers. It would be an honor and a privilege to support our Naval Forces as a member of our ASNE Council.


Mr. Eric Mscisz


As a Branch Manager at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD), Eric is a first line supervisor and provides technical direction for people, investments, tools, technologies and capabilities for Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) systems. Eric leads the Fluid Systems Automation branch, which provides Life Cycle Management for Auxiliary and Fluid Control Systems, within the Cybersecure Machinery Control Systems and Networks Department.

Eric began his career in the Steam Systems branch as a Cooperative Education Student from Drexel University earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree in 2006. He earned a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from the Naval Postgraduate School, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management from Temple University.

Prior to his current assignment, he has supported various roles in the Auxiliary Machinery Systems Division. His assignments included System Integrator, Program Manager, Lead Systems Engineer for Fluid Control Systems, In-Service Engineering Agent, Auxiliary Control System Design Engineer and Software Developer, Land Based Engineering Site (LBES) Test Engineer, and he has provided fleet technical support throughout his time with NSWCPD. He has developed training curriculum on auxiliary control systems, and has instructed numerous classes for operators and maintainers. He has co-authored multiple technical papers relating to auxiliary control systems.

Mr. Mscisz received the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) Young Professional Award (2016), Federal Executive Board Gold Medal for Excellence in Government (2013), NSWCPD Command Fleet Technical Support award (2012), and the NSWCPD Command Junior Engineer of the year award (2008). He was the ASNE Intelligent Ship’s Symposium Chair (2013), and served as the ASNE Delaware Valley Section Chairman 2016-2018. He resides in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and volunteers with the community through STEM outreach programs and coaching youth soccer. He is married (Lizzie) with a daughter (Layla, 3 years), and son (Ryan, 3 months).


CAPT Thomas Remmers, USCG


CAPT Remmers reported in 2016 as the first Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter Project Resident Office (OPC PRO) for the acquisition of the Offshore Patrol Cutter, the largest acquisition project in U.S. Coast Guard history. In this role, he is the lead technical, engineering, quality assurance, and production representative for the Coast Guard at the shipbuilder’s facility.

Prior to his assignment at the OPC PRO, CAPT Remmers was the Product Line Manager for Medium Endurance Cutters (WMEC) at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC). In this role, he was the single point of accountability to the operational commander for all maintenance, engineering, supply, and logistics support for all 27 medium endurance cutters and the Coast Guard’s Tall Ship, Barque EAGLE.

CAPT Remmers previously served in command of Naval Engineering Support Unit Alameda providing organic and depot maintenance support for both shore infrastructure and surface forces assets throughout the Coast Guard including the first three National Security Cutters (WMSL) which were homeported in Alameda, CA. His prior tour was at Maintenance and Logistics Command, Pacific, as the first maintenance integrator for the new National Security Cutter (WMSL) class in which he stood up the maintenance management staff and planned and executed the first Post-Shakedown Availability and major maintenance periods for USCGC BERTHOLF (WMSL 750).

CAPT Remmers’s underway assignments include Engineer Officer aboard USCGC MIDGETT (WHEC 726) and Damage Control Assistant aboard USCGC MUNRO (WHEC 724). Other shore assignments include Medium Endurance Cutter Typedesk Manager at Maintenance and Logistics Command, Pacific and the Senior Port Engineer for USCGC HEALY at Naval Engineering Support Unit Seattle, where he was responsible for the management, oversight and execution of intermediate and depot maintenance for the Coast Guard’s largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker.

Commissioned in 1994, CAPT Remmers holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, CT. He earned two Masters of Science in Engineering degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College where he earned a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies and served as an Arleigh Burke Fellow to the Naval Command College. He is a licensed professional engineer in Mechanical Engineering in the State of California.

CAPT Remmers’s awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals (with operational distinguishing device), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal (with operational distinguishing device), and five Unit and Meritorious Unit Commendations.

CAPT Remmers is married to the former Carol Guisinger of Coldwater, Michigan. He and his wife have two sons, Nathanael and Thaddeus. CAPT Remmers is native of Nebraska.


CAPT Michael Rorstad, USCG (Ret.)


Mike Rorstad currently serves as the San Diego Operations Manager at Amee Bay, LLC, overseeing procurement services and Combat Systems Fleet Technical Assistance contracts for Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, as well as Hull, Mechanical, & Electrical, Electronics and Ordnance maintenance and repairs to United States Navy and United States Coast Guard vessels.

On active duty he served as the Product Line Manager for all Coast Guard vessels greater than 280 feet in length and served as the Commanding Officer of Project Resident Office Lockport, serving as the senior Contracting Officer’s Representative and in-shipyard representative for the design, build, delivery and warranty support for the 154 foot Fast Response Cutter acquisition. His operational tours include Executive Officer and Chief Engineer of the 378 foot High Endurance Cutter, HAMILTON (WHEC-715).

He is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, holds a Master of Science in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Manufacturing from the University of Michigan and is a Level III Department of Homeland Security Certified Acquisition Professional.

His volunteer activities include one year as Chief Executive Officer of Project Management Institute-San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, ASNE National Council Member, and Committee Chairman for Boy Scouts of America, Troop 5, Bonita, CA and recently was accepted for a volunteer position on the ASNE Scholarship Committee.

I sincerely enjoy working with the members of ASNE and look forward to more opportunities to contribute.


Mr. Thomas A. Schubert


Mr. Schubert joined Gibbs & Cox, Inc. in July, 1986. He is currently Chief Engineering Officer (CHENG), a position he has held since September, 2011. As CHENG, Mr. Schubert is responsible for overall technical oversight and guidance in strategic engineering capabilities and initiatives necessary to achieve the technical standards and business plans of the Corporation. He is the senior advisor to the Corporation on all technical matters, and is responsible for identifying and assessing tools, processes, procedures, methods, upgrades, acquisitions, quality assurance and strategic training initiatives that support the strategic direction of the Corporation, and is the focal point for our internal research & development (IRaD) investments.

Prior to becoming CHENG, Mr. Schubert was Vice President and Group Manager of the Government Services Group, where he was responsible for starting up this corporately mandated business group, and managing the entire corporate portfolio of projects directly supporting the US Government. During his tenure, the Government Services Group grew by approximately 20 percent per year. Prior standing up the Government Services Group, Mr. Schubert was Vice President and Group Manager of the Engineering Services Group, where he initiated the merging of the firm’s two engineering organizations into an integrated Group of over 100 naval architects, marine engineers and support personnel.

Prior to becoming a Vice President, Mr. Schubert held a variety of positions within the Company, including Assistant Group Manager, Department Manager, Section Head, Project Manager and Project Engineer. He has provided engineering and management services on ship design projects from concept and feasibility studies to preliminary, contract, and detail design as well as developing backfit change proposals for ships in active service. He has applied his technical expertise on surface combatants, expeditionary warfare ships, aircraft carriers and auxiliaries.

Throughout his career, Mr. Schubert has been active in professional societies. He began his service to ASNE in 1988 as a member of the Flagship section, including service on National Council (2015-2019), Journal Committee (1988 – 2003) and Combat Systems Committee (1993 – 2003). He continues to support the Journal as a peer reviewer of technical papers, and is currently working to increase student engagement in ASNE, particularly at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. He is also a Senior Member of IEEE, a Life Member of Navy League, and a member of NSPE, SNAME, NDIA, Surface Navy Association, Project Management Institute and the Society for International Affairs.

Mr. Schubert received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a Master of Engineering Management from the George Washington University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and 16 other U.S. states as well as five provinces in Canada; and is a certified as a Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute.


CAPT Mark R. Vandroff, USN


Captain Mark Vandroff graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989 with a B.S. in Physics. While at the Naval Academy, he participated in the Voluntary Graduate Education Program. In December of 1989, he graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a Masters of Science in Applied Physics.

Upon completion of graduate school and the SWO division officer pipeline, he reported to Pre-Commissioning Unit ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) in Bath, Maine in July of 1990. During his tour on ARLEIGH BURKE, he served in a variety of division officer roles.

In May of 1994, Captain Vandroff reported to SWO Department Head School. During the six-month course, he was awarded the ADM. Arleigh Burke award for overall highest academic average in the class. During his Department Head tour on USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), he served as Weapons Officer, Combat Systems Officer, and Post Shakedown Availability Coordinator. During this tour on GONZALEZ, he was selected for lateral transfer into the Engineering Duty Officer Community.

After attending the ED Basic Course, he reported to SUPSHIP Pascagoula in March 1999 as the AEGIS Test Officer, where he directed a 150 person integrated government-industry team in the conduct of testing on new construction DDGs.

In March of 2002, Captain Vandroff reported to the Program Executive Officer, Theater Surface Combatants (later Program Executive Officer, Ships) as the AEGIS Shipbuilding Combat Systems, Test and Trials division head (PMS400D5), where he helped integrate new technologies, such as SPY-1D(V) and Digital Modular Radios onto DDG 51s. In October of 2004, he reported to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development, and Acquisition) as Director of Surface Combatants. In this role, he was responsible for the Navy Secretariat’s oversight and guidance over such complex programs as Littoral Combat Ship, DD(X), and the Aegis Destroyers.

From February 2007 until December 2008, he served as Director of Fleet Introduction, Testing, and Requirements for the LPD 17 Class Amphibious Dock Transport ships. In 2009, he was the Executive Assistant to PEO SHIPS. From January 2010 to May 2011, he served as the Deputy Program Manager for LPD 17 Class Amphibious Dock Transport Ships (PMS 317B). From May 2011 until August 2016 he served as Major Program Manager for the DDG 51 Shipbuilding Program (PMS 400D). In September 2016, he became the 37th Commanding Officer of NSWC Carderock.

His awards include two Legions of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals. He is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community and Level III certified in Program Management. He is a frequent writer on the subjects of leadership and naval technology, including having co-authored and presented “Good Fences Make Good Radars” for ASNE’s “Engineering the Total Ship” 2008 symposium and wrote “Power to the Polymath” for the June 2017 issue of the Naval Engineers Journal. He has served as a member of the ASNE National Council since July 2017.


Dr. Jennifer Waters


Dr. Jennifer Waters grew up in a sailing family on New York's Long Island. It was therefore not surprising that she would attend the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, graduating with a B.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Ever fascinated by the ocean, Dr. Waters continued her education at Stevens Institute of Technology, earning an M.Eng. and a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering.

Dr. Waters varied professional experience includes marine research at Webb Institute and Stevens Institute, engineering design at firms in the U.S. and Australia, interning aboard a commercial oil tanker and shipfitting at Newport News Shipyard.

Joining the Naval Academy faculty in 1994 as a research instructor in the Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Department, Dr. Waters was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1995, Associate Professor with Tenure in 2001 (having produced two beautiful daughters in the interim) and to full Professor in 2008.

Prior to her selection as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Waters served USNA in a number of capacities. Her yardwide service ranged from the Naval Academy Admissions Board to the Naval Academy Research Council to several curricular committees. She was the program director and senior advisor for the Ocean Engineering major. She was chair of the Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Department from 2010 until 2012 and, while in that position, she was elected by her peers as Chair of Chairs.

Dr. Waters has contributed to the marine field as both an educator and a research engineer, and maintains her Professional Engineer licensure in the state of Maryland. Often invited to provide assistance with, or peer review of, research and development projects, she has given numerous presentations, seminars and short courses to practicing engineers as well as non-engineers in the marine industry. She is an active member of several professional societies and a mentor to students in the marine field at USNA and elsewhere.

Dr. Waters' community involvement has included teaching basic science, good citizenship and appreciation for the arts to young students and Girl Scouts throughout the Maryland-DC region.

Dr. Waters currently resides just outside Annapolis, Maryland, with her husband, Tom, and her two teenage daughters. She enjoys traveling and spending her free time with her active family.