Fleet Readiness Engineer Soars to NAWCAD Fellow Accolade

Ian Hawkins, a supervisor for materials engineering at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE), has recently been inducted into the prestigious Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Fellow Program. The award ceremony took place at NAVAIR headquarters in Patuxent River, Maryland.

“This award highlights my career’s technical achievements aimed at enhancing capability and readiness,” Hawkins stated. He emphasized the role of his team, praising the collaborative efforts that enabled success in various engineering projects. Hawkins also acknowledged opportunities to work on both national and international efforts alongside NAWCAD and Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) counterparts.

The Fellows Program, initially introduced in the 1980s and incorporated into NAVAIR in the 2000s, was re-established in 2021 by NAWCAD after a temporary pause. Candidates for the program are carefully selected by a group of peers based on their contributions to safety and readiness. The program uniquely functions without senior leadership involvement.

The program is categorized into three levels. Associate Fellows, comprising the top three percent of scientists and engineers at NAVAIR, form the first tier. Hawkins has been inducted at the Fellow level, which includes the top three-quarters of a percent. The highest recognition, Esteemed Fellows, represents the top one-quarter of a percent. Membership advancement occurs via a majority vote.

Hawkins specializes in nondestructive inspection, a crucial discipline for examining aircraft and components without disassembly.

“Working for the Navy feels like a privilege, driving me to push further each day,” Hawkins expressed.

Located in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) stands as a major provider of maintenance, repair, overhaul, and technical services. Employing around 5,000 individuals, the organization contributes significantly to the US Navy’s operational readiness, with annual revenue exceeding $1 billion.