© 2003, Rotary Club of Charleston

P.O. Box 21029
Charleston, SC 29413-1029

Club secretary:
Carroll Schweers
chasrot@comcast.net

SPAWAR assists national security efforts
Agency uses technology to help gain military superiority

JULY 15, 2003 -- James Ward, the Executive Director of SPAWAR, gave an interesting speech about his organization entitled "Technology Solutions for the 21st Century." SPAWAR, which stands for "space and naval warfare" is a non-profit entity that provides direct support to wartime operations, supports Homeland Security, and partners with local schools to educate through job shadowing, mentoring and other opportunities.

SPAWAR's mission is to assist "warfighters" by deciding what types of physical resources (such as maps and gadgets) or intelligence data is needed and by filling those needs.

As an example, Ward described how SPAWAR's Charleston employees designed, and then had built, a special lightweight and sturdy infrared camera with heat-sensing powers that was used by many service-people during the recent war in Iraq. Ward said he was quite sure that the cameras helped save lives during the war.

SPAWAR's core competencies include wireless communication, navigation, meteorology, data security, internet technology, satellite technology, website creation and management, and sensors.
SPAWAR was created during 1996 as part of BRAC restructuring. It began with 300 employees who were transplanted here from Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and other locations. SPAWAR has grown rapidly and currently has approximately 2250 employees in Charleston. Its annual payroll is $149 million, and its total economic impact here is over $693 million.

Most of SPAWAR's business comes from the SPAWAR headquarters in San Diego but it also does work for other customers including the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coast Guard and the Department of Commerce. -- Amy Jenkins

Sommer-Kresse Named Rotarian of the Year

Sue Sommer-Kresse was honored this week as Rotarian of the Year for the 2002 - 2003 year. As announced in the congratulatory speech made by Tom Brown, this award is given each year to a Rotarian who truly exemplifies the Rotary concept of service above self. It is recognition for many years of service to Rotary and to the community.

Sommer-Kresse has been an active member of our club, serving on numerous committees and participating in a wide variety of activities. She served on the Board of Directors and was Education Director. She also served as President of the Rotary Club of Charleston. Her service above self did not stop after being President, but rather, continued through service on the Membership Development Committee and the Nominating Committee.

She has also been active at the District level, heading up the International Vocational Internships for District 7770. She has been, and continues to be, Chairperson of the Foundation Scholarship Programs for District 7770.

Sommer-Kresse is already a multiple Paul Harris Fellow but, in recognition of her being named Rotarian of the Year, the Club is again making her a Paul Harris Fellow.

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