Benjamin Wappelhorst
King George,VA
Summary
Experienced Surface Ordnance/Electronics Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) with over 26 years of leadership, program management, planning, system analysis, and training in the Navy. Sharp officer eager to apply extensive knowledge in military tactics and strategy. Skilled in developing and implementing training and exercise programs for readiness and combat effectiveness. Strong technical and critical thinking abilities, with a steadfast commitment to safety, security, and defense. Adjudicated for access to Top Secret (TS) and Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI).
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Capability Development Branch Analyst
Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center
12.2023 - Current
- Tactical and technical analyst for current real-world operations
- Responsible for leading cross-functional teams in development of time critical solutions to support warfighters across all fleets
- Analyzed design, installation, and performance of emerging capabilities to support shipboard defense
- Team member through readiness assessments, testing and analysis of all current and future Aegis configurations up to and including Baseline 10 identifying software and design shortfalls and developed innovative plans for correction
- Led organization wide effort of analyzing software deficiency reports in new baselines to prioritize corrective fixes in current or future configurations.
- Extensive work with external organizations using modeling and simulation tools to evaluate complex problems, identify gaps, and develop solutions and/or workarounds
- IAMD subject matter expert supporting the Integrated Air Defense Course providing training and guidance to 5 deploying Carrier Strike Groups on emerging Air Defense Tactics and emerging threats
Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI)
Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center
10.2022 - 12.2023
- IAMD WTI instructor for AEGIS, Air Defense, Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), Ships Self Defense System(SSDS), Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems and tactics through 4 Course of Instructions, producing 50 graduates
- Facilitated integration training between Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School students and IAMD WTI students through four integration training events.
- Increased trainee engagement through the use of multimedia presentations and interactive discussions on relevant topics.
- Developed comprehensive curriculum and performance assessments, resulting in improved student proficiency in tactical skills.
- Attended working groups to develop and publish doctrine and TTP to increase force lethality
- Managed the physical security of office buildings, ensuring compliance with classified material requirements.
- Evaluated student performance regularly, offering timely feedback and guidance for improvement throughout the course.
- Updated course materials regularly according to evolving industry best practices, providing students with the most current information available.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to create a cohesive learning experience, streamlining course content and delivery methods.
Fire Control Officer (FCO) / Systems Test Officer
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77)
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Simultaneously directly coordinated 210 Sailors spanning 9 divisions in the maintenance and operation of CVN Combat Systems equipment and led and managed 39 Sailors as the division officer for SSDS, CEC, Link, 2M, RAM, NATO, and CIWS systems.
- Lead for the planning and execution of Live Fire With a purpose culminating in 2 successful RAM engagements to show final operational readiness for deployment
- Combat Systems Training Team (CSTT) Technical leader
- Managed 46 Sailors in the planning, development, and execution of complex technical and tactical training scenarios increasing readiness and proficiency
- Edited over 160 documents, resulting in effective and safe operation by the ship's crew
- Responsible for the acquisition, upkeep, and management of all technical documentation
- Streamlined reporting procedures for better efficiency and communication between departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address complex control issues, resulting in enhanced operational effectiveness.
System Test Officer (STO) / Combat Systems Officer
USS McFaul (DDG 74)
04.2017 - 08.2020
- Lead Combat Systems department consisting of 69 Officers, Chief Petty Officers, and Junior Sailors in preparation and execution on INSURV Inspection.
- Led CIC watchteam during 5th fleet AOR deployment in multiple warfare commander duty assignments as the senior CIC watchstander onboard
- Directly supervised 133 Sailors spanning 3 departments in maintenance and operation of the Aegis Combat System, Electronic Warfare System, Navigational equipment, and Cryptologic equipment
- Lead for planning and execution of Ballistic Missile Defense Live Fire certification event, and Live Fire With a Purpose pre-deployment readiness event
- Lead shipboard tactical trainer for Air Defense and Ballistic Missile Defense
- Led 50 sailors as CSTT leader in developing and executing relevant tactical and technical training scenarios during every phase of OFRP
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows, reducing redundancies and increasing operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Managed departmental budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for necessary equipment and training.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance and support to foster professional development and career progression.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
American Military University
Charles Town, WV06.2015
Skills
- Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI)
- Proactive leadership
- Program Management
- Technical and tactical expert - bridges the divide between engineer and warfighter
- Public speaking
- Problem-solving / critical thinking
- Tactical Instruction
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Equipment testing
- Operational planning
- Training and Development
- Analytical Thinking
Certification
- Master Training Specialist (MTS), US Navy - October 2005
- Combat Systems Coordinator, US Navy - May 2008
- Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator, US Navy - February 2012
- Ballistic Missile Defense Watch Officer, US Navy - May 2017
- Tactical Action Officer (AEGIS), US Navy - May 2017
- Officer of the Deck, Underway, US Navy - June 2020
- Lean Six Sigma White Belt - December 2023
- Lean Six Sigma Six Yellow Belt - December 2023
Timeline
Capability Development Branch Analyst
Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center
12.2023 - Current
Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI)
Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center
10.2022 - 12.2023
Fire Control Officer (FCO) / Systems Test Officer
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77)
10.2020 - 10.2022
System Test Officer (STO) / Combat Systems Officer
USS McFaul (DDG 74)
04.2017 - 08.2020
Associate of Arts - General Studies
American Military University
- Master Training Specialist (MTS), US Navy - October 2005
- Combat Systems Coordinator, US Navy - May 2008
- Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator, US Navy - February 2012
- Ballistic Missile Defense Watch Officer, US Navy - May 2017
- Tactical Action Officer (AEGIS), US Navy - May 2017
- Officer of the Deck, Underway, US Navy - June 2020
- Lean Six Sigma White Belt - December 2023
- Lean Six Sigma Six Yellow Belt - December 2023
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