The corporate knowledge of NAS Whidbey Island’s federal employees is a valued resource to their military counterparts who must transfer every three years or so.

Navy Munitions Command’s (NMC) CONUS West Division Detachment Whidbey Island recognizes this fact, and fully understands and appreciates their six civilians’ ordnance experience – all 100 years worth, excluding their prior uniformed service.

Master Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Michael Vimislik, detachment senior enlisted advisor, and the rest of the military workforce regularly depend upon the experience and expertise of the NMC civilians. The continuity they provide help to ease the training peaks and valleys that are inherent due to the transient nature of Sailors rotating in and out of the detachment. 

Civilian employees here are recognized by the detachment, along with the Sailors, on a quarterly and annual basis. 

“I consider this Detachment to be very lucky indeed to have this much talent on board.” Vimislik said. “Our team is an all-hands enterprise – with our Sailors and civilians equal partners in accomplishing the mission.”

Larry MacArthur (35 years) is the installation explosives safety officer.  He is directly responsible to the installation commander for ensuring continuous command explosive safety programs are being followed by all activities, while maintaining Department of the Navy mission capability.

Nancy Sage (25 years) is the executive assistant and administration officer for the detachment. She manages all administrative matters, including internal and external correspondence and administrative program management, as well as providing valuable training for her uniformed counterparts at the various work centers.

Steve Mandel (15 years), the detachment quality assurance ordnance safety specialist, is the principal source of reference, consultation, and liaison for resolving ordnance Quality Assurance operations and safety matters.

Ernest Albrecht (10 years) is the inventory accuracy officer. He provides global oversight, program management, and analyzes inventory accuracy efforts for the entire installation.

Steve Gabbert (10 years) serves as both the detachment transportation specialist and the installation Explosive Training Program manager. He is responsible for providing transportation, training, technical and administrative support to the detachment officer in charge (OIC), installation commanding officer, and regional ordnance infrastructure.

Daryl Worley (5 years) serves as the deputy officer-in-charge and oversees all detachment operations. As the OIC’s direct advisor and supervisor for all civilians at the detachment, Worley ensures the detachment runs smoothly – regardless of Operation Tempo or personnel turnover.

“Each and every one of our civilians continually provide critical support and have all earned my deepest respect and gratitude,” Vimislik noted. “We definitely have the right people, doing the right work, where it is needed most.”