Ronald A. Charest
571-309-7139
roncharest@charestconsulting.com
Woodbridge, Virginia
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Summary
Mr. Charest has spent most of his career involved with the military maritime industry. He was a crewmember on submarines and surface ships during his 22 years of Navy service. In his initial post-Navy career, he worked for a major U.S. shipyard. He later relocated to Washington, D.C. and provided consulting services on various ship acquisition programs prior to entering government civil service. He has supported both U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard acquisition programs as well as foreign military sales. Mr. Charest has a broad background of skills in integrated logistics support (product support), configuration management, data analysis, software development, training and training programs development, technical writing, and documentation management.
Education
MEd (Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Design), George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia BS Marketing Degree, Excelsior College, Albany, New York
Major Certifications e-Learning Technologies, George Mason University Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), The Association for Operations Management (APICS) Enterprise Configuration Management, Configuration Management Process Improvement Center (CMPIC) Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Northern Virginia Community College Acquisition Life-cycle Logistics Level I, Defense Acquisition University (DAU)/Booz Allen Hamilton
Security Clearance Active SECRET Clearance: Effective Until January 2033
Professional Organizations The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Council of Logistics Engineering Professionals (CLEP) : Vice President Communications
- Ronald A. Charest
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- Government Civil Service (United States Coast Guard) | August 2020 – Present
- Booz Allen Hamilton | May 2015 – August 2020
- CACI International | May 2013 – April 2015
- Booz Allen Hamilton | March 2008 – April 2013
- Advanced Technology Systems Company | October 2006 – February 2008
- Huntington-Ingalls Industries | April 2001 – September 2006
- PRC, Inc | December 1998 – February 2001
- TMA, Inc | December 1996 – December 1998
- United States Navy, Retired | June 1974 – April 1996
Chronological Work History
Government Civil Service (United States Coast Guard) | August 2020 – Present
Washington, D.C.
While working as a contractor on the Offshore Patrol Cutter program, Mr. Charest applied for an open Government GS-13 position. He was subsequently hired into Government Civil Service, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard Acquisitions Directorate.
Program Analyst (Documentation Management)
Mr. Charest is a member of the United States Coast Guard, CG-9322 Patrol Boat Acquisition Office (Navy Ships equivalent), (OPC) acquisition program. He is the team lead for documentation management using Microsoft SharePoint Workflow applications. The OPC acquisition program is the largest acquisition program in the history of the United States Coast Guard, and the single largest acquisition program within the Department of Homeland Security.
Mr. Charest provides liaison between various stakeholders and the SharePoint Team to identify and correct workflow processes for reviews. Proposes issues for workflow process improvement and tracks resolution. Develops weekly and quarterly metrics reports on workflows. These reports are used to brief senior Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security management on contract performance.
His most significant accomplishments include: Developed specifications for a new electronic review application in support of a new OPC acquisition contract with Austal Shipbuilders. During the year-long project Mr. Charest worked with the software development team and end-users to create and field the application. He also developed and supervised loading the metadata needed to configure the application in compliance with the contract. Developed an in-house software configuration change management process. This process was designed to properly support eight software applications used for OPC contract management. Mr. Charest anticipated that an effective change management process would be needed to properly support these critical software applications over the nominal twenty-year duration of the acquisition program. Developed specifications for a software application designed to manage user account requests and account changes. This system replaced the former process of ad-hoc email notifications. This new application was well received by the user community and simplified administration workloads. Developed a unique modeling format using MS Excel to create documentation workflow specifications. These specifications were used by the software developers to create and revise SharePoint-based workflow applications.
Education
Mr. Charest completed his MEd (Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Design) through George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, December 2020
Certifications
In conjunction with his graduate degree program, Mr. Charest also earned an e-Learning Technologies certification. This certification was earned through additional coursework as part of the MEd program. George Mason University, December 2020
Professional Organizations
Phi Kappa Pi National Honors Society | January 2021 – Present
Upon graduation from his MEd program, Mr. Charest was invited to join Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society in recognition of a 4.0 GPA.
Booz Allen Hamilton | May 2015 – August 2020
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Charest returned to Booz Allen Hamilton in May 2015. During his tenure Mr. Charest provided consulting services on five major contracts. He was also included in advisory roles on several short-term contracts providing logistics, configuration management, and training expertise. The major consulting contracts he worked on are as follows:
Senior Logistics Analyst
Mr. Charest provided services to the United States Coast Guard, CG-9322 Patrol Boat Acquisition Office (Navy Ships equivalent), (OPC) acquisition program. He reviewed configuration management and s for contract compliance and accuracy as delivered by Eastern Shipbuilders Group, Panama City, Florida.
He made recommendations to the Contract Officer’s Representative (COR) for configuration management and actions. He also worked extensively with CG-1B3 (Human Systems Interface department) in reviewing contractor-provided training task analysis and other training products.
Senior Logistics Analyst
Mr. Charest provided professional support services to Submarines, PMS450FE7 Program Office, (). This program managed acquisition of the Virginia-class submarines built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut.
He tracked logistics requirements for baseline changes to systems installed on the Virginia class submarines. He developed and managed scheduling Gantt charts and process maps for acquisition logistics implementation on new construction submarines.
Team Lead (Logistics and Configuration Management)
Mr. Charest led the professional support services team to the United States Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), PMS495 Program Office, . This program supported twenty-seven different mine hunting and mine countermeasures systems carried by legacy minehunting ships and aircraft.
He supervised support for 27 in-service Mine Countermeasures (MCM) systems deployed on the MCM-class mine countermeasures ships and MH-53E helicopters. He reviewed, edited, and developed acquisition logistics documentation. He led a logistics team on review of s and made non-binding logistics recommendations to the Configuration Change Board (CCB).
Engineering Change and Documentation Management
Mr. Charest provided professional support services to Navy Submarines, PMS415 Program Office, Submarine Countermeasures, . The program supported a variety of systems designed for surface ships to counteract submarines.
He managed program office workflow processes for development of logistics documentation and s using the Integrated Product Data Management (iPDM) documentation management tool.
Senior Logistics Analyst
Mr. Charest provided data analysis and on-site research in the development of a Business Case Analysis (BCA) to the United Kingdom (UK) Strategic Weapons Support Systems (SWSS) program, contracted through the U.S. Navy Submarines, PMS392.
He performed analysis of historical logistics data and conducted on-site research at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard, Groton, Connecticut, and UK Ministry of Defense (MOD), Abby Wood, England.
Certifications
Mr. Charest earned the following certifications:
Recertified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) through The Association for Operations Management (APICS), April 2019
Master’s Certification in Enterprise Configuration Management through the Configuration Management Process Improvement Center (CMPIC), in partnership with Houston College of Technology. Certification earned through a series of classroom trainings and certification exams. December 2018
Recertified Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) Level II (Classic RCM). Awarded by through classroom training and a certification exam. September 2017
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Adult Education Certification, Northern Virginia Community College Workforce Development. Certification earned through a series of classroom trainings and a final practicum. June 2016
Sideline Work
Mr. Charest performed part-time work as an Instructor with two language programs.
Instructor, Prince William County Schools | May 2018 – February 2019
Mr. Charest conducted evening classes for adult students. The classes were sponsored through the Prince William County Adult Workforce Development Program, and were conducted in Prince William County Public Schools.
Instructor, LADO Language Institute | February 2017 – January 2018
Mr. Charest conducted evening classes for adult students in an intensive language program and provided one-on-one off-campus tutoring. Most students were on F1 student visas and sponsored by their nation’s government through their embassy. These educational programs were accredited through the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
Professional Organizations
Council of Logistics Engineering Professionals | May 2019 – Present
Mr. Charest joined the Council of Logistics Engineering Professionals (CLEP) and was subsequently elected as the organization’s Vice President – Communications. Mr. Charest built the organization’s website, and supported CLEP activities through distributing periodic newsletters and social media marketing.
CACI International | May 2013 – April 2015
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Charest left Booz Allen Hamilton as a result of the Fast Response Cutter (FRC) contract being de-scoped. He joined CACI International on a consulting contract with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) minehunting mission module, Remote Minehunting System (RMS) as logistics subject matter expert. His primary role was training programs development.
Project Manager (Training Programs)
Mr. Charest provided project management support to the United States Navy PMS403 Program Office, , for implementing training and other logistics requirements on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Remote Minehunting System (RMS) Mission Module ACAT 1D acquisition program. This system consisted of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) which towed a precision side-scanning sonar body, intended to be launched from an LCS.
He closely coordinated efforts with the PMS420 LCS Mission Package acquisition program office; LCS Squadron (LCSRON), San Diego training office; Mine Warfare Training Center (MWTC) San Diego; fleet Mine Counter Measures (MCM) Detachment personnel; and In-Service Engineering Activities (ISEA). Mr. Charest represented PMS403 Logistics at on-site training activities and training meetings.
His major accomplishments for this contract included: Developed training budgets, funding requirements, and Program Objective Memoranda (POM) issue papers. Developed the program’s first integrated master training plan to bring four courses Ready for Training (RFT). This plan integrated a five-year budget with Developmental Test (DT) and Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) events; projected the increase in Mission Package personnel; projected Training Technical Equipment (TTE) acquisition timelines with a two-year Plan of Action with Milestones (POAM). He developed and gained Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (DCNO – N1) approval of the program’s first Navy Training Systems Plan (NTSP). He authored four Training Systems Installation Plans (TSIP) and performed training task analysis on four proposed courses.
Certifications
Mr. Charest earned a Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) Level I (Backfit) Certification. Awarded by through completion of classroom training and certification exam. June 2013
Booz Allen Hamilton | March 2008 – April 2013
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Charest joined Booz Allen Hamilton in March 2008 as a logistics subject matter expert with industry shipbuilding experience. His first full time consulting role was with working at the Washington Navy Yard location. After one year he transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters and worked two different ship acquisition programs formerly part of the Deepwater program.
Project Manager (Configuration Management)
Mr. Charest provided project management support for configuration management to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), CG-9324 Patrol Boat Acquisition Office (Navy Ships equivalent), (FRC) acquisition program. This project was a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Level 1 Investment and a DHS/USCG Level I acquisition project.
He reviewed the shipbuilders s for configuration management and logistics products. He managed the configuration management baseline using and Coast Guard-provided data. Coordinated configuration management work with the (Navy SUPSHIPs equivalent), , and ( equivalent). He performed shipyard on-site technical consulting at Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana.
His major projects included: Designed a comprehensive strategy for implementing software configuration of all shipboard and systems, and authored business case rules for identifying hardware configuration items. His work formed the basis of an software configuration management plan, and later became the basis for configuration management s on the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and Polar Security Cutter (PSC) acquisition contracts. Led shipboard Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) teams on the first four delivered cutters which compared provisioning data against installed equipment. As lead validator Mr. Charest developed audit and data collection strategies, created audit plans, supervised post-audit data analysis, and prepared final Configuration Status Accounting (CSA) reports with recommendations for correcting identified deficiencies. Performed a major revision of the CG-9324 Configuration Management Plan (CMP) in compliance with . He integrated requirements from multiple sources then coordinated multiple concurrent reviews and adjudicated all comments. He also managed development of the acquisition program’s Configuration Control Board (CCB) processes and policies.
Specifications Writer / Port Engineering Services
Mr. Charest performed engineering work specification development for CG-9321 Acquisition Office (Navy Ships equivalent), (NSC) acquisition program.
He researched and developed twenty commercial contract specifications with supporting cost estimates for post-delivery installation of approved s. He drafted (TCTO). As a non-voting member of the Configuration Control Board (CCB), Mr. Charest was responsible for reviewing s and providing technical consulting to the Government decision-making process.
His most significant commercial contract specifications included: Co-authored the small boat transom door system retrofit installation work specification for USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) and provided seven weeks of dry dock on-site technical consulting support during the installation at Vigor Marine Shipyard, Portland, Oregon. Designed a fuel transfer piping modification work specification to support Fueling at Sea (FAS) operations with U.S. Navy ships. The design successfully met target requirements for safe FAS operations and became a class design change. Designed a deionized water wash-down system work specification required for NAVAIR flight deck certification and developed the follow-on logistics support package. This specification became a class design change.
Logistician
He produced monthly metrics reports, managed transitions from Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contracts to organic logistics support and maintained meeting minutes and action item tracking for logistics conferences. Supported planning actions for a fiber-optic plant upgrade on USS San Antonio, LPD-17.
Certifications
Mr. Charest earned the following certifications:
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). Awarded by The Association for Operations Management (APICS) through classroom training, documented prior supply chain work experience, and a certification exam. December 2010.
Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) Level II (Classic RCM) Certification. Awarded by through completion of classroom training and certification exam. August 2009
Mr. Charest Completed all requirements for a Acquisition Life-cycle Logistics Level I, through completing coursework offered by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) certification, and awarded by Booz Allen Hamilton. September 2008
Community Activity
English Second Language Instructor | September 2008 – June 2009
Mr. Charest performed volunteer work with the Catholic Charities Hogar Hispano program as an Instructor.
Professional Organizations
International Society of Logisticians | October 2009 – November 2019
Mr. Charest joined the International Society of Logisticians (SOLE) and was subsequently elected as Communications director for the Greater Washington Area Chapter (GWAC). He was elected as Chapter Chair in 2014. Mr. Charest hosted monthly Chapter meetings and assisted in organizing the annual Washington D.C. area awards luncheons.
Advanced Technology Systems Company | October 2006 – February 2008
Arlington, Virginia
In September 2006 Mr. Charest relocated from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Northern Virginia after accepting a new position with a small company focused on foreign military sales. He was hired as their shipyard liaison to V.T. Halter Marine, providing logistics support to shipbuilding programs at that shipyard. During his tenure with this firm, Mr. Charest performed concurrent logistics development on two different shipbuilding programs and wrote many business proposals in response to foreign military sales Requests For Proposals (RFP).
Logistician
Mr. Charest was a member of the Team. His primary role was performing development and planning for Phase II of the Egyptian Navy Fast Missile Craft (FMC) acquisition program of three vessels, built by V.T. Halter Marine, Moss Point, Mississippi. He developed Integrated Logistics Support Maintenance Plans (ILSMP), training plans, and reviewed technical documentation.
Mr. Charest also performed early (maintenance, documentation, and training) development for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coastal mapping vessel “Ferdinand R. Hassler” constructed by VT Halter Marine, Moss Point, Mississippi. In support of ATSC’s bid for the work, Mr. Charest developed the firm’s internal-use cost estimates for logistics development as specified by the VT Halter Marine RFP. This cost estimate was used to successfully bid on the logistics work.
Foreign Military Sales Proposal Writer
In addition to work, Mr. Charest developed fourteen business proposals in response to Requests for Quotes (RFQ) from the Egyptian Government, Lebanese Government, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and prime contractor partners.
His most significant Foreign Military Sales (FMS) proposal work included: Developed an FMS case for the sale of the commercial (export) version of the U.S. Coast Guard Response Boat – Medium (RB-M) to the Arab Republic of Egypt, in partnership with Kvichak Marine Industries. Developed an FMS case for the sale of eighteen twenty-five-foot (7.5 meters) aluminum work boats to the Arab Republic of Egypt. The proposal included identifying MonArk Boat Company as a shipyard with standard workboat designs matching the Request for Quotation (RFQ) specifications. Developed an FMS case for a medical and training use deep dive hyperbaric chamber project to the Arab Republic of Egypt, in partnership with JMS Naval Architects & Salvage Engineers.
Huntington-Ingalls Industries | April 2001 – September 2006
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Mr. Charest was initially hired by Pascagoula Shipyard as a contract worker on a short-term software development project. At the end of the project, he was hired into HII for software development and logistics analysis work. He was later accepted into the company’s Supportability Engineering Training Program and promoted into a supportability engineering role working on new business development projects.
Supportability Engineer
As supportability engineer Mr. Charest was assigned to the new business development department. He performed Total Ownership Cost (TOC)/Life Cycle Support (LCS) studies, trade studies, Performance Based Logistics (PBL) studies, supply-chain management studies, Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) and Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) for shipboard and systems. He also performed supportability analysis for the Aegis Cruiser maintenance and modernization program. He worked with a variety of logistics data resources including:
maintenance data ownership cost data supply parts and logistics data configuration management data
His most significant project was an 18 month progressively complex series of studies comparing life-cycle costs of steel hulled ships vs. aluminum and composite hulls. The studies identified the cost-saving viability of a composite hulled vessel, which was ultimately proposed to the U.S. Coast Guard as the Fast Response Cutter (FRC)-A. His studies were one of twelve projects to receive a 2005 Northrop-Grumman Corporation Excellence Award.
Other significant projects included: Performed a study for the program to identify manpower requirements in support of total ship preventive maintenance. Performed studies for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program to identify launching platforms and ship survivability. Performed several Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) studies, evaluating the feasibility of converting existing organic logistics support into contractor-based support.
Logistics Analyst
Mr. Charest was reassigned as a member of the acquisition team. He performed top-down breakdown Logistics Support Analysis (product support analysis) for electronic and systems on the LHD-8 (USS Makin Island) and LPD-17 (USS San Antonio) acquisition programs. As a logistics analyst Mr. Charest worked with Pennant’s software in developing Logistics Support Analysis Records (LSAR). He also developed several custom MS Access database applications that were used by the team to enhance OmegaPS™ usability and reduce labor in building LSAR products.
Software Developer
Mr. Charest’s first role at the shipyard was developing and maintaining assorted software tools used for logistics. He developed a prototype Electronic Consolidated Availability Planning (ECAAP) database application for the U.S. Navy’s AEGIS cruiser modernization program, to identify redundant work items in shipyard availability planning. The prototype demonstrated a potential cost savings of at least $150,000 through eliminating redundant work in one shipyard availability. He developed an assortment of database applications for acquisition logistics analysis including product support analysis tools, General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment (GPETE) management tools, and manpower analysis tools.
Training
Mr. Charest participated in several in-house Conditional-Based Maintenance (CBM+) workshop-level classes. CBM+ was then being developed for the program.
Mr. Charest participated in a number of company-sponsored in-house courses, including the following: Earned Value Management Systems Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
After working 18 months at HII, Mr. Charest was accepted into the company’s in-house Supportability Engineering training program. The six-week classroom training covered all aspects of supportability engineering and product support analysis. Upon graduation, Mr. Charest was promoted into the supportability engineering department.
Community Activity
Scranton Photography Club | June 1996 – September 2006
After several years as a member, Mr. Charest was elected president of the Scranton Photography Club. He served as club president from August 2002 – April 2006. The Club sponsored periodic photography field trips and organized an annual judged photography show. This annual event was the largest photography show on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the years Mr. Charest was club president.
PRC, Inc | December 1998 – February 2001
Biloxi, Mississippi
Intending to move his post-Navy career into software development, Mr. Charest accepted a contractor position at Keesler Air Force Base as software configuration manager.
Software Configuration Manager
Mr. Charest performed software configuration management as a member of the Technical Training and Management System (TTMS) software development team. TTMS was the U.S. Air Force primary training administration software, supporting training across five U.S. Air Force bases. The TTMS Oracle-Based Applications Development team consisted of 21 people including developers, testers, system administrators and customer service people.
Mr. Charest’s work involved maintaining software configuration and version control, building installation packages for both server and client installations, writing release notes and version documentation.
His most significant accomplishments included: Supervised “Year 2000” (Y2K) software upgrades, successfully releasing required software updates accurately and on time which prevented a disruption in Air Force Training activities. Supervised and released on schedule major server and client software upgrades needed to maintain application compatibility with a new release of Oracle database software. Successfully migrated all software artifacts to PVCS version control system and implemented Remedy issues management software to improve software development and testing team collaborations.
Sideline Work
Website Developer | March 1998 – October 2001
Mr. Charest designed and operated a commercial travel information website. Promoted as a “web directory of travel information,” this website offered comprehensive resources for local (U.S.) and international travelers. He developed steady revenue streams through online affiliate sales and pay-per-click advertising. He was invited to participate in two travel writers familiarization trips (Belize and Granada).
TMA, Inc | December 1996 – December 1998
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Mr. Charest’s first job after retiring from the Navy was with a small firm working at Pascagoula Shipyard. He filled a position split between administering the firm’s computer network which connected their field office with office locations around the shipyard. His secondary role was managing a warehouse of Government-owned spares staffed by shipyard personnel, as the Government’s contractor representative.
Network Administrator
Mr. Charest managed the computer network used to support the Aegis Destroyer trial cards group. His network supported twelve personnel in five remote locations throughout the shipyard.
His most significant accomplishment included: Expanded trial cards group network services while reducing network operating costs. Worked with shipyard personnel to establish dedicated network connectivity across all user locations, which improved trial cards support.
Warehouse Manager
Mr. Charest managed the Aegis Cruiser and Destroyer Class Common Equipment (Deep Insurance Spares) program as contractor representative to PMSF4. He supervised ship-outs, stock replenishment, storage maintenance, and new inventory acquisitions. He organized and tracked the delivery of short notice critical shipments utilizing commercial overnight delivery systems.
Mr. Charest designed and implemented a Microsoft Access database application to manage warehouse inventory, resulting in a seventy-five percent improvement in asset management, as measured by restock times.
United States Navy, Retired | June 1974 – April 1996
Electronics Technician Senior Chief, Submarine Qualified (ETCS(SS)), USN (Ret.)
USS Port Royal (CG-73)
February 1993 – April 1996
Pascagoula, Mississippi ~ Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Mr. Charest reported to the Port Royal Pre-commissioning Detachment in at Huntington-Ingalls Shipyard, Pascagoula, Mississippi. He was assigned as Division Chief, Combat Electronics (CE) Division.
Mr. Charest supervised maintenance for the AN/SPS-49 Air Search radar, marine navigation radars, radio communications, electronic navigation equipment, interior communications, electronic test equipment calibration, electrical safety, and 2-M micro-miniature repair programs.
During his tour Port Royal was commissioned (July 1994) and transited to homeport in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over the next two years Port Royal conducted numerous post-delivery shakedown and crew certification exercises, a post-shakedown drydock availability, and then deployed to the Western Pacific with the USS Nimitz battle group.
Most significant accomplishments: Supervised an average of 18 personnel functionally organized into four work centers. Successfully managed all post-commissioning division crew certification training and inspections. Established successful electrical safety and electronics calibration programs.
Education and Training
Mr. Charest completed his BS Marketing Degree through Excelsior College, Albany, New York, 01/1995
Training
Mr. Charest participated in the following pre-commissioning training programs: Enlisted Tactical Applications Shipboard Fire-Fighting and Damage Control Ship Familiarization Aegis External Communication Systems (Excomm)
NATO AFSOUTH
September 1989 – January 1993
Naples, Italy
Mr. Charest reported to NATO AFSOUTH, Naples, Italy, in September 1989. He reported to the Local Control Organization – Naple (LCO-N), later renamed Allied Signal Group-Naples (ASG-N) during a reorganization. He was assigned as Assistant Logistics Chief, Communications.
Mr. Charest managed logistics support for all NATO Communication facilities and communication systems in Italy including; eight ACE HIGH self-contained HF communications sites, four Naples valley microwave relay LOS sites, headquarters Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) telephone system, two technical control centers, one radio receiver and radio broadcast sites. He supervised a multi-national joint military service staff of eight personnel.
Most Significant Accomplishments: Established new budgets for consumables and capital equipment procurement. Wrote new position descriptions for 23 NATO staff positions in support of a major NATO reorganization. Developed and implemented a battalion inspection program that resulted in first-time operational readiness assessments of remote communications sites by the headquarters command.
Training
Mr. Charest completed Level I Drug and Alcohol Programs Advisor training
Collateral Duties
Mr. Charest held a collateral duty as the U.S. Navy’s NATO detachment’s Drug and Alcohol Programs Advisor (DAPA). His duties included performing front line crisis interventions among U.S. Navy personnel assigned to NATO AFSOUTH. He advised senior officers on the Navy’s drug and alcohol program policies, and worked with medical personnel to arrange appropriate treatment for patients identified as having substance abuse issues. In the event a patient met criteria for involuntary separation from naval service, Mr. Charest would prepare case histories used as legal documentation.
Mr. Charest was accepted as a volunteer Publicity Chairperson for the annual Department of Defense fund-raising event “Festa Americana.” This annual event celebrated our Fourth of July and acted as a showcase to other NATO nationals on the best of the United States. The year Mr. Charest was involved, the event cleared a profit of $55,000 donated to local charities.
USS Dixon (AS-37)
May 1986 – August 1989
San Diego, California
Mr. Charest reported aboard the Submarine Tender USS Dixon in May 1986, San Diego, California. He was assigned as of the Submarine Mast, Antenna and Hydrophone repair shop (67G/H). Mr. Charest supervised level repair work to Permit (SSN 594) class and Sturgeon (SSN 637) class submarines.
Maintenance work included structural, hydraulic, electrical and electronic repairs, paint and composite repairs, and specialized rigging. He supervised an average of 18 personnel functionally organized into two work centers. All maintenance work performed under quality assurance standards.
Most significant Accomplishments: Removal, repair, and reinstallation of a 594-class submarine snorkel mast, evaluated as a shipyard-level repair. At the end of his three-year assignment, the Submarine Mast, Antenna and Hydrophone shop was evaluated by the Navy IMA inspection board as one of the three best-managed repair shops on Dixon.
During his tour the Dixon deployed to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and to the northern Pacific (Sika and Adak, Alaska). In Sitka Dixon successfully performed a forward deployed refit and crew change of an Ohio (SSBN 726) Class submarine.
Training
Mr. Charest participated in the following training programs: Completed formal classroom training for Electronic Material Officer (EMO). Earned IMA Journeyman Submarine Mast and Antenna Repair ( ET-1401-IMA) through demonstrated work experience and a written qualification exam.
Submarine Training Facility
May 1982 – April 1986
San Diego, California
Mr. Charest reported to Submarine Training Facility (SUBTRAFAC) San Diego, California in May 1982 after completing Instructor Training. He taught courses in Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Periscope Electronics, Digital Electronics Theory, and Electronic Warfare (Electronic Signals Analysis). He qualified in Curriculum Development through formal classroom training, and trained new instructors.
Most significant accomplishments: Developed and launched an Electronic Warfare Operators Course Revised and relaunched a Periscope Closed-Circuit Television Operations and Maintenance Course Implemented a Digital Fundamentals Course
Education
Mr. Charest completed his AAS Business Administration through National University, San Diego, California, October 1983
Certifications
Certified as Master Training Specialist through multiple evaluations on instructor performance and completing an oral certification review board.
Training
Mr. Charest participated in the following training programs: Technical Training Instructor ( 9502) Curriculum Development Specialist
USS Dolphin (AGSS-555)
February 1980 – April 1982
San Diego, California
Mr. Charest reported aboard his second submarine USS Dolphin in February 1980. Dolphin was a deep-diving diesel-electric research submarine. As crewmember Mr. Charest operated and repaired marine surface search radar, electronic navigation equipment, and radio communications equipment. He also worked with the ship’s navigation team and sonar operators.
During his tour Dolphin made two northern pacific deployments (Astoria, Oregon, and Eureka, California), and conducted a successful ground-breaking experiment in submarine laser communications.
Qualifications
Qualified Deep Submergence (Enlisted) | September 1980
Helmsman Quartermaster (Submarine Navigation) Watchstander Sonar Operator Watchstander Chief-of-the-Watch Watchstander
USS Scamp (SSN-588)
November 1975 – January 1980
San Diego, California ~ New London, Connecticut ~ Norfolk, Virginia
Mr. Charest reported aboard his first submarine USS Scamp in November 1975. Scamp was a nuclear fast-attack submarine homeported in San Diego, California. As crewmember Mr. Charest operated and repaired equipment, marine surface search radar, radio communications equipment, and electronic navigation equipment. He also worked extensively with the ship’s navigation team.
During his tour Scamp operated with the USS Enterprise battle group for weekly operations and training exercises. Scamp deployed to the Western Pacific, and participated in UNITAS XIX around South America. Scamp transferred homeport to New London, Connecticut in 1979. In September 1979 Scamp entered an extended shipyard overhaul in Norfolk, Virginia.
Qualifications
Qualified Submarines (Enlisted) | October 1976
Electronic Warfare Operator (ELINT) Watchstander Radar Operator (Marine Navigation Surface Search) Watchstander Quartermaster (Submarine Navigation) Watchstander
Training
Mr. Charest attended additional “C” school theory and maintenance training in the following electronic systems: Radio Direction Finding Electronic Cryptography Closed Circuit Television
Navy Basic & Technical Training
June 1974 – October 1975
San Diego, California ~ Great Lakes, Illinois ~ New London, Connecticut ~ Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Mr. Charest enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went on active duty five days after High School graduation. Over the next eighteen months, he attended a series of Navy training schools including Recruit Basic Training in San Diego, California, Electronics Technician (ET) “A” school in Great Lakes, Illinois, Submarine School and Submarine Electronics “C” schools in New London, Connecticut, and Electronic Warfare “C” school in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Education
Mr. Charest completed the equivalent of an Associates Degree in Electronics Technology through ET “A” School electronics training.
Training
Follow-on “C” school courses provided specialized theory and maintenance training in the following electronic systems: Marine/Surface Search Radars VLF/HF/VHF/UHF Communications Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Electronic Warfare – Electronic Intelligence () and Communication Intelligence ()