Courtesy photographWayne Nelson was selected as the Air Force Materiel Command nominee for Civilian Tester of the Year for the 2015 National Defense Industrial Association.
Wayne Nelson, Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate, was selected as the Air Force Materiel Command nominee for the 2015 National Defense Industrial Association Civilian Tester of the Year award.
Nelson is a rocket test engineer assigned to the Experimental Demonstration Branch at AFRL here.
Nominees must have continually accomplished superior work that significantly contributed to, or directly supported, test and evaluation activities during calendar year 2015.
“We can all take great pride in your professionalism and contributions to RQ, AFRL, and the Air Force,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello, Air Force Research Laboratory commander.
Nelson began testing rockets and missiles in 2012. Assigned to the Experimental Demonstration Branch, Nelson took a prominent role in directing four full-scale rocket demonstrations, two facility buildups, and 20 subscale tests. Outcomes applied to real-world operations including improvement to U.S. Pacific Command’s service life for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile fleet, advancements in next generation hypersonic weapon technology, and viability of new fuels.
“This outstanding accomplishment once again reflects the amazing quality of personnel we have in the Aerospace Systems Directorate,” said Col. Joel Luker, AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate, acting director.
Each year NDIA recognizes the outstanding government civilian, contractor, and military testers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Office of the Secretary of Defense at their annual Test and Evaluation Symposium.
According to their website, The National Defense Industrial Association is America’s leading Defense Industry association promoting national security. NDIA provides a forum for the exchange of information between industry and government on national security issues.
