Nobel Prize Winner Becomes Soldier After Surviving Holocaust

View Online Nobel Prize Winner Becomes Soldier After Surviving Holocaust Oct. 2, 2024 | By David Vergun Arno Allan Penzias, who served in the Army during the Cold War in 1955 and 1966, is also a Nobel laureate.    In 1964, Penzias and Robert Wilson, using an ultra-sensitive microwave receiving system to study radio emissions from the Milky Way galaxy, found something unexpected.  They detected background noise from outside the Milky Way. They realized that the radio signal was cosmic radiation that had survived from earliest time of the universe, some 15 billion years ago, thereby offering validation of the Big Bang, a theory of the universe's origin.  For their discovery, in 1978 the two were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics.  Penzias was born in Munich, Germany, April 26, 1933. In 1939, his parents sent him and his brother Gunther to the United Kingdom to escape being killed during the Holocaust.   His parents escaped as well, and they settled down in the Bronx borough of New York City. After graduating from the City College of New York with a degree in physics, he became a radar officer with the Army Signal Corps.  "My army experience helped me get a research assistantship in the Columbia Radiation Laboratory, then heavily involved in microwave physics," he stated in his Nobel Prize biography.  Microwaves are used by radars to transmit pulses of energy at objects, which are then reflected back, thereby locating objects like aircraft.  Using his G.I. Bill, Penzias earned a doctorate degree in physics and astronomy from Columbia University in 1961 and went to work at Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey, where he worked for the next 37 years.    "In addition to my astronomical research, I always had made it my business to engage in technology-related work at Bell Labs. It seemed only reasonable to contribute to the pool of technology from which I drew upon. Similarly, Bell Labs has always contributed to, as well as used, the store of basic knowledge — as evidenced by their hiring of a radio astronomer in the first place," he stated in his biography.  After his work at Bell Labs, Penzias moved to Silicon Valley, California, where he sat in on presentations made by nascent startup enterprise pitches to venture capitalists.  "I felt right at home in short order, peppering presenters with questions and suggestions concerning their technologies and plans for turning their offers into viable businesses," he stated in his biography.  Penzias died from complications of Alzheimer's disease in San Francisco, on Jan. 22, at the age of 90.

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Today in DOD: Oct. 3, 2024

Today in DOD: Oct. 3, 2024 Open Press Events Secretary of Defense The secretary has no public or media events on his schedule.   Read More > Deputy Secretary of Defense The deputy secretary has no public or media events on her schedule.   Read More > Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff The chairman is traveling.   Read More > Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff The vice chairman provides remarks at 6:30 p.m. EDT at the Blue Star Families Sheila & George Casey National Capital Region Chapter reception, Washington, D.C.   Read More > Additional Open Press Events National Reconnaissance Office Director Dr. Christopher Scolese discusses "The NRO Story" at 1 p.m. EDT at an in-person and virtual Center for Strategic and International Studies...   Read More > View All Postings   Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in DOD are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. For additional media information click here. Public Inquiries Contact us for more information, if you have questions or for technical support. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131.

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Contracts For Oct. 2, 2024

View Online FOR RELEASE AT 5 PM ET Contracts For Oct. 2, 2024 NAVY MAG DS Corp., doing business as MAG Aerospace, Fairfax, Virginia, is awarded a $96,729,387 cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides systems engineering, fabrication, integration, modification, system delivery, installation, and systems support leveraging the best available commercial-off-the-shelf, government-off-the-shelf, and tailored command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the unique Special Operation Forces community and its partners supporting counterterrorism and integrated deterrence missions. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Maryland (63%); St. Inigoes, Maryland (9%); Virginia Beach, Virginia (3%); Honolulu, Hawaii (3%); Coronado, California (2%); Halawa, Hawaii (2%); Fayetteville, North Carolina (1%); and Tampa, Florida (1%), and is expected to be completed in October 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; three offers were received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042125D0001).    AIR FORCE Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $73,000,000, cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order under the Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition contract (FA8656-21-D-A004) for hypersonic attack cruise missile manufacturing capacity enhancement. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2028. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $20,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8656-25-F-B002). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY UPDATE: Abbott Laboratories Inc., North Chicago, Illinois (SPE2DH-25-D-0001, $49,000,000), has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for medical equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency Electronic Catalog, issued against solicitation SPE2DH-21-R-0002 and awarded Feb. 10, 2022. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ARMY CORRECTION: The modification number for the $117,483,511 contract (W52P1J-20-9-3036) announced on Sept. 27, 2024, for Systems Innovation Engineering, Mullica Hill, New Jersey, to improve directed energy supplier resiliency is P00016, and funds in the amount of $58,939 were obligated at the time of the award.  CORRECTION: The $9,121,122 contract (W912DY-24-F-0574) announced on Sept. 30, 2024, for PTIM Federal Services LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to perform maintenance and minor repairs services for petroleum facilities is actually for $8,720,741.  *Small business

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Face of Defense: From Classroom Excellence to Soaring With the Blue Angels

View Online Face of Defense: From Classroom Excellence to Soaring With the Blue Angels Oct. 2, 2024 | By Austen McClain Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Nick Kaminski's journey from a small town in Maryland to a supervisory position with the prestigious Blue Angels team is not only a testament to his personal dedication and world-class naval training but also to a rich family legacy of military service. Inspired by family members who served in the Navy, Kaminski has carved his own path in naval aviation, and his story exemplifies the Navy's commitment to training and developing elite sailors. A Legacy of Service For Kaminski, the decision to join the Navy was deeply influenced by his family, starting with both of his grandfathers and a cousin, all of whom served in the Navy. His grandfather, Thomas Kaminski, served as a petty officer first class from 1940 to 1945 during World War II, aboard the USS Beaver and USS Cebu. His other grandfather, Herbert "Dee" Diamond, was a petty officer second class, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis with Patrol Squadron 16 "War Eagles" on the P2V Neptune. Kaminski's cousin, Todd Bailey, retired as a master chief petty officer after more than 20 years of service across various commands worldwide. "All three of these men introduced me to the Navy at a young age, including taking me to see the Blue Angels when I was around six years old," Kaminski recalls. "When I showed a real interest in the Navy, Todd guided me through the process and has been a mentor to me throughout my career." Though Kaminski didn't join the Navy until he was 25, his family's influence and their shared stories of service inspired him to pursue his career, ultimately shaping his decision to become part of one of the Navy's most elite aviation teams.  Laying the Foundation for Success Kaminski's formal Navy journey began when he attended the Airframes "A" School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, in March 2018. Reflecting on his initial experiences with Naval Education and Training Command and NATTC, Kaminski recalls how the training he received was fundamental to his success in the fleet.    "NATTC set the tone for the beginning of my career in naval aviation," Kaminski explains. "The instructors and curriculum provided me with the essential theories and concepts of aviation, which I still rely on today."    After completing his training, Kaminski's first assignment took him to the "Vikings" of Electronic Attack Squadron 129 in Whidbey Island, Washington. He later served with the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron 102 in Iwakuni, Japan, where he completed two deployments aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. His ability to understand and read hydraulic schematics, a critical skill honed at NATTC, proved invaluable as he tackled complex maintenance challenges throughout his career. Joining the Blue Angels  In 2022, Kaminski applied for a position with the Blue Angels, a decision he describes as one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments of his career. Now a supervisor within the Blue Angels' airframes work center, Kaminski oversees a team that specializes in the hydraulic systems, landing gear, flight controls and composite/sheet metal structural repair on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.   "The camaraderie and teamwork taught at NATTC are very similar to what we practice at the Blue Angels," Kaminski says. "These values are instilled in sailors from the beginning and are essential for mission success, especially in high-pressure environments."   Kaminski takes great pride in showcasing the Navy and Marine Corps' capabilities to the public, describing it as an opportunity to inspire youth while highlighting the teamwork and dedication that keep the Navy running smoothly. "Being able to show a small piece of what the Navy and Marine Corps do on a daily basis is something that will stay with me for life," Kaminski adds. Kaminski said it's hard to choose a single favorite Blue Angels maneuver. "I really like the Double Farvel. It's very unique and as the season progresses, the pilots really get it dialed in."  A Life Beyond the Navy  Outside of his professional duties, Kaminski is passionate about fishing, music, photography and fitness. "The nice thing about the Navy is that you're often near water, which brings great fishing opportunities," he says. Music, a hobby he's had long before joining the military, continues to be a creative outlet for him.  However, Kaminski emphasizes that the greatest gift the Navy has given him is the relationships he's built. "The best thing the Navy has offered me is the opportunity to make lifelong friends who have turned into family, along with the chance to travel the world."  As the Navy continues to evolve, foundational training through NETC remains crucial. By leveraging cutting-edge learning science and technology, NETC is dedicated to recruiting the best future sailors and delivering world-class education and training that equips them for success in the fleet.    Kaminski's career is a shining example of the Navy's commitment to developing top-tier warfighters. His journey from the classrooms of NATTC to his role with the Blue Angels demonstrates the Navy's dedication to building a lethal and survivable fleet through elite vocational training.

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