Kevin Priest
Copperas Cove,TX
Summary
Experienced Flight Test Specialist with over six years at NAVAIR, specializing in rigorous flight test evaluations and operational safety for air warfare. Skilled in orchestrating complex training activities and weapon systems testing, with a focus on project management and security. Key role in Test and Evaluation Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability Branch at NAVAIR, dedicated to ensuring reliability and operational excellence. Committed to precision and safety of national defense capabilities through development of operational concepts and control of range assets. Collaborative team member adept at directing aircraft vectoring and making critical decisions to advance missions for NAVAIR, NAVSEA, and the nation's military.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Flight Test Specialist
Navair Warfare Center Weapon Division Operations Branch
Point Mugu, CA
08.2018 - Current
- Represents Commander NAWCWPNS and Sea Range Operations Division Head while conducting test operations. Directs programs of major impact involving high level contacts. Responsible to ensure compliance with operational, safety and aircraft procedures specified by cognizant authority. Responsible for adhering to NAWCWPNS Range Safety rules and regulations during the conduct of test operations. Assures flight safety during conduct of surface and airborne testing. Directs real-time vectoring of the aircraft in order to meet test parameters, weapon release conditions, and range safety parameters. Assures mandatory data requirements are achieved during test flights. Controls range assets and personnel during range tests. Ensures technical accuracy in achieving test objectives. Reviews test plans and procedures for test implementation. Must be completely familiar with engineering objectives and data requirements for each operation. Receives training relative to center policies and procedures. Responsible for decisions that concern continuation or termination of project test flights. Briefs and debriefs all agencies and personnel involved in any given operation. Prepares messages of an operational nature to participating units. Ability to successfully manage multiple high intensity projects concurrently. Assumes senior or lead test conductor role for complex or difficult program test execution when more than one test conductor is required. Applies advanced concepts and theories in technical areas on behalf of assigned project. Implements new concepts designed to improve the quality of the testing environment. Is creative in his/her ability to adapt and devise operational procedures based on program requirements. Monitors test conductor trainees to ensure compliance with operational procedures. Assures tests that are conducted by trainees satisfy all Range Safety requirements and meet specific test objectives.
- Develops operational concepts and scenarios for test and evaluation of weapons systems. Coordinates all aspects of operational testing for assigned projects. Coordinates and directs personnel in real time for Range Operations. Represents assigned projects at other national test ranges and facilities. Coordinates with various national ranges for operational support. Source of program support on all operational phases. Translates engineering test objectives into operational procedures. Develops operational test techniques for new projects/programs. Serves as an operational advisor and consultant to first- and second-level Supervisor or Management on project matters. Serves as a Technical Specialist to assigned projects/programs.
- Collects project requirements and provides required services in the Operations Control Rooms (OCR’s). These services include dynamic range displays, video recording, video display hardcopies, and real-time radar vectoring. Configures range displays to satisfy Test Conductor, Range Safety personnel, project engineers, and all other OCR user requirements. Verifies correct participant labels, real-time data, and IRIG time. Requests required communication nets from the Operations Control Center and performs communications checks with appropriate operation support personnel. Guide pre-operation checkout of tracking radar and provides radar operators with tracking assignments and beacon codes. Ensures good radar tracking by communicating range and bearing parameters to radar operators in real-time. Replaces range display system computer disks as necessary to conduct classified or unclassified operations. Ensures computer disks, and other OCR data media, are labeled with the proper classification. Keeps notes during operations indicating radar assignments, video recordings made in the OCR’s, display data recordings, video display hardcopies provided to customers, and other OCR services provided. Notes any OCR system and radar tracking anomalies and reports observations to supervisor and system maintenance personnel.
Logistics Management Specialist
Nava Surface Warfare Center PHD
Port Hueneme, CA
05.2016 - 08.2018
- RM&A Data Collection and Analyst As an RM&A data collector and analyst performed data collection analysis and surveillance of reliability growth on the Aegis Weapon System. I performed failure data research and analysis and conducted studies and make statistical calculations prepare RM&A plans specifications and suitability reports Perform RM&A investigations and studies of ship combat systems equipment and components My tasks included technical reviews and analysis of contract and fleet data relative to failures and maintainability of equipment by use of mathematics and statistics in the estimation of theoretical and empirical RM&A parameters conducted and evaluated land-based and shipboard tests to determine causes of failure, reasons for excessive maintenance times, and life expectancy of the equipment coordinated RM&A shipboard data collection and reporting during Test and Evaluation (T&E) events including Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) events Tasks required the application of a diversified knowledge of the RM&A field including logistics management operations, perform lifecycle logistic requirements, and manage multiple multi-organizational teams of subject matter experts to collect pertinent data, along with full comprehension of the relationships between the assigned and the related areas I conduct research and prepare technical reports research all available data to substantiate analyses. Such data includes maintenance times and frequency, fleet failure reports and analysis, industry failure data, Performance Based Logistics (PBL) data, depot repair data and other Navy activities data Additional duties that are required to complete accurate and efficient data collection and analysis include writing technical reports related to supportability analysis, identify and manage risks that are involved with the AEGIS Weapon System and develop solutions This task involves data collection and analysis to present the results in a written form which is orderly, concise and complete.
- Other Duties: Drafted a Standard Operating Procedure for Reliability, Maintainability and Availability (RM&A) Data Collection and Analysis procedures. Led numerous housekeeping Martin NAVSEA Problem Review Boards and Working Group Meeting.
- RCM Level 1 training focuses on RCM Backfit principles and methodology and is for individuals tasked to develop review approve Planned Maintenance System (PMS) changes to current maintenance tasks including Technical Feedback Reports. Three-year completion of a written examination.
- Data Collection Coordinator As a Data Collection Coordinator I was assigned to a ship’s Combat System Ship Qualification Test and BMD events test team I was tasked with setting data extraction points in the AEGIS Weapon System and ensuring proper transmittal of classified data that was essential in re-constructing the test environment for fault and data analysis Trained to properly package classified material, I was tasked with inter-agency exchange of data and information.
Range Operations Clearance Coordinator
Navair Warfare Center Weapon Division Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three-zero
Point Mugu, CA
03.2011 - 03.2015
- Clearance Coordinator As the Range Clearance Coordinator I utilized military computer systems to coordinate military and law enforcement operations in the 36,000 SQ NM Sea Test Range I was responsible for gathering processing disseminating evaluating and displaying multitude of data and information for operational analysis I operated various military display systems (Common Display System (CDS), Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS), SureTrak GRIDDS) in support of weapon and sensor systems testing Prior to operations, I reviewed test plans and attended briefings to ensure all participants adhered to range safety policies and regulations.
- Schedule Coordinator As schedule coordinator I established schedules and milestones to coordinate over 450 missions utilizing 3 operators compiling 8,200 mishap free air control hours and 3,200 mishap free surface control hours maximizing efficiency for fleet wide test and evaluation for the US Armed forces I developed, monitored and coordinated the schedule that fully and directly supported the activities of the assigned equipment or system (Common Direction System (CDS), GRIDDS ACDS). I identified and troubleshot urgent schedule problems initiated actions to resolve them I identified delays and problems and developed corrective actions I worked with people from various levels and backgrounds elicited their cooperation to perform specific tasks while complying with regulations laws and practices Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed Experience which includes leading directing and assigning work of personnel.
- System Development I planned, organized, directed, controlled and evaluated the operations of a Research Development Test and Evaluation assigned Surveillance aircraft, aircrew personnel, military computer systems and military data assets I generated Common Display System (CDS) requirements and testing for the general functionality of the system I was responsible in providing in depth analysis and solutions on user interface for Range Clearance Coordinators using CDS, in order to help improve operations I moved forward the acceptance phase of development I integrated CDS into PLEAD Control Surface watch stations as a substitution for SureTrak This workaround was able to use existing equipment and provide NAVAIR with the ability to conduct a great number of operations while increasing the overall capability of PLEAD Control of the test and evaluation team to assess and characterize Common Display System performance Evaluated system operations against operational requirements providing reliability, maintainability and supportability detailed reports.
Knowledge Management Officer
Central Command Forward Headquarters, Office of the Defense Representative-Pakistan
Pakistan
05.2012 - 05.2013
- Knowledge Management Officer As the Knowledge Management Officer I maintained SharePoint portals to serve two network enclaves supporting 86 joint service users in a dynamic and high threat area I resolved 300 trouble tickets and created 5 new directorate websites contributing to the Office of Defense Representative-Pakistan earning the DOD Chief Information Office Award Assessed and collected performance data to characterize system and communication performance Provided status and issue reports to a broad spectrum of civilian and military personnel.
- Logistics Manager Planned organized and coordinated logistics functions including the transfer of critical communication equipment from Qatar to Pakistan Identified and ordered equipment and supplies required to support tactical and diplomatic operations in Central Command Monitored shipments and performed receipt inspections of ordered material and equipment to ensure compliance to requisition Planned and evaluated shipping alternatives to ensure shipping to operational objectives Coordination included in country ground transportation to multiple US embassies involving coordination with multiple commands and clear security checkpoints Conceived and initiated all required actions and communications to resolve any issues through initiative and independence.
Combat Information Watch Supervisor
USS Shoup (DDG-86)
06.2008 - 02.2011
- Combat Information Supervisor As Combat Information Watch Supervisor I had a detailed understanding of the tactical capabilities and limitations of the Aegis Class Guided Missile Destroyer and the Aegis Combat System During multiple Combat System Sea Qualification Trials I participated in the test and evaluation of the Aegis Combat System and supervised junior personnel During these evolutions I was able to provide multiple presentations and reports to ISEA demonstrating my ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
- Air Identification Supervisor As Air Identification Supervisor my function was to provide identification for all air traffic in a 200 nautical mile surveillance area I also maintained positive radar contact and voice communications with all traffic while referencing the Daily OPTASK Air Message for proper clearance of aircraft.
- Repair Parts Petty Officer (RPPO) As RPPO I was in charge of ordering and maintaining all repair parts and supplies for my assigned division I studied tech manuals, schematics, and maintenance schedules in order to order, maintain, inventory and issue repair parts/tools/materials within the division for the on time accomplishment of preventative and corrective maintenance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management, Organizational Leadership
University of La Verne
05.2015
Skills
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
Awards
Junior Sailor of the Quarter 2010, Junior Sailor of the Year 2010, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2010)
OPERATING SYSTEMS
CDS, ACDS, SEAWOLF and NATIVE VERSIONS, SureTrak, GRIDDS, Common Data Link Management System (CDLMS), AEGIS Command and Decision (C&D), GCCS 4.0, GCCS 3.0, TRMSORTS.
Timeline
Flight Test Specialist
Navair Warfare Center Weapon Division Operations Branch
08.2018 - Current
Logistics Management Specialist
Nava Surface Warfare Center PHD
05.2016 - 08.2018
Knowledge Management Officer
Central Command Forward Headquarters, Office of the Defense Representative-Pakistan
05.2012 - 05.2013
Range Operations Clearance Coordinator
Navair Warfare Center Weapon Division Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three-zero
03.2011 - 03.2015
Combat Information Watch Supervisor
USS Shoup (DDG-86)
06.2008 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management, Organizational Leadership
University of La Verne