Government Civilian Professionals Drive Innovation and Readiness with Strategic Leadership and Experimentation Initiatives
14 March 2025
NORFOLK, Va. --
In a series of transformative efforts to elevate operational readiness, Mr. Chris McCarthy and Mr. Michael Willis have demonstrated exceptional leadership in enhancing Navy and joint force capabilities.
Mr. McCarthy's leadership ensured the synchronization of Maritime Operations Centers (MOCs) with the joint force, significantly boosting interoperability with allies while prioritizing operational readiness. He took personal responsibility for training all ten Navy MOCs and made key contributions to fleet staff process improvements. Through his innovative approach, Mr. McCarthy saved over $100 million by utilizing a combatant commander exercise for certification instead of a standalone event. His ability to collaborate with fleet staffs and adapt to emerging challenges played a critical role in advancing the Navy’s readiness and operational effectiveness. “I’m truly humbled and grateful for this award,” McCarthy said. “It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of my amazing team. This achievement belongs to all of us.”
Leading the transition to a continuous multi-year Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) campaign, Mr. Willis produced over 400 recommendations and aligned 65 initiatives showcasing outstanding professionalism while supporting key commands such as United States Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Pacific Fleet (PACFLT). “I really appreciate this award. Everything I do at NWDC is part of a team effort, so this is a reflection of the great work happening within Fleet Experimentation and across NWDC as a whole,” said Mr. Willis. “I’m especially grateful for the support of my N8 teammates.”
His leadership streamlined post-experiment processes and accelerated the delivery of new capabilities to the fleet. Notably, he led the high-impact Integrated Battle Problem 23.3, collaborating with U.S. and allied forces, including the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Navy, to deliver vital coalition results.
These efforts highlight the exceptional innovation and strategic leadership driving the Navy’s progress. Through their contributions, Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Willis have not only advanced operational readiness but also significantly increased the Navy’s effectiveness and combat capability, ensuring a more lethal and integrated force for the future.