CHINA LAKE, Calif. - Stephen Pohrivchak, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, plays a key role in supporting the Navy's research, testing and evaluation of cutting-edge weapons systems for today’s sailors.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bradley Gee |
Pohrivchak is the fleet and family readiness director serving at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, known as “Secret City.”
“A vast weapons testing and training range operated by the U.S. Navy in California's Mojave Desert, this location is where military and civilian personnel developed or tested nearly every significant airborne weapon system since 1943,” said NAWS China Lake public affairs officer, Margo Allen.
As the fleet and family readiness director, Pohrivchak is responsible for the quality of life on the base.
“My job is to keep the military members and their families happy by improving their quality of life,” Pohrivchak said. “We provide various programs and services they need to have healthy and productive lives.”
Pohrivchak is a 2000 Kellam High School graduate. According to Pohrivchak, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Virginia Beach.
“Growing up I learned to be respectful of everyone I come in contact with,” Pohrivchak said. “No matter if it is a military member or a fellow teammate, showing them respect always makes the job easier.”
NAWS China Lake is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California, approximately 150 miles north of Los Angeles. The installation is the Navy's largest single piece of real estate, representing 85 percent of the Navy’s land for Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation (RDAT&E) use and 38 percent of the Navy’s land holdings worldwide. In total, its two ranges and main site cover more than 1.1 million acres, an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
Operating a facility as large as China Lake is a monumental task, considering 19,600 square miles of restricted and controlled airspace makes up 12 percent of California's total airspace. Compounding the challenge is the diverse nature of the operations that includes weapons testing and evaluation in air and ground ranges, research and development in highly sophisticated laboratories, and numerous science and technology projects ranging from sensors to chemical and material systems.
The workforce at China Lake is a combination of military, civilians and contractors employed across many different commands focused on researching and evaluating cutting edge technological systems, and training of Navy personnel preparing for combat in areas around the world.
China Lake and the men and women who serve there play a key role in the Navy’s broader mission of protecting American interests on the world’s oceans.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Pohrivchak is most proud of earning the Civilian of the Quarter Award in 2019.
“It is nice to be recognized for all the hard work that is being performed,” Pohrivchak said.
Pohrivchak has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father served in the Navy,” Pohrivchak said. “Continuing this tradition of service is important to me.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Pohrivchak, as well as others at the command, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations to follow.
“Working for the Navy means coming to work every day and having an impact on military families and showing them that we care about them,” Pohrivchak said.
“A vast weapons testing and training range operated by the U.S. Navy in California's Mojave Desert, this location is where military and civilian personnel developed or tested nearly every significant airborne weapon system since 1943,” said NAWS China Lake public affairs officer, Margo Allen.
As the fleet and family readiness director, Pohrivchak is responsible for the quality of life on the base.
“My job is to keep the military members and their families happy by improving their quality of life,” Pohrivchak said. “We provide various programs and services they need to have healthy and productive lives.”
Pohrivchak is a 2000 Kellam High School graduate. According to Pohrivchak, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Virginia Beach.
“Growing up I learned to be respectful of everyone I come in contact with,” Pohrivchak said. “No matter if it is a military member or a fellow teammate, showing them respect always makes the job easier.”
NAWS China Lake is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California, approximately 150 miles north of Los Angeles. The installation is the Navy's largest single piece of real estate, representing 85 percent of the Navy’s land for Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation (RDAT&E) use and 38 percent of the Navy’s land holdings worldwide. In total, its two ranges and main site cover more than 1.1 million acres, an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
Operating a facility as large as China Lake is a monumental task, considering 19,600 square miles of restricted and controlled airspace makes up 12 percent of California's total airspace. Compounding the challenge is the diverse nature of the operations that includes weapons testing and evaluation in air and ground ranges, research and development in highly sophisticated laboratories, and numerous science and technology projects ranging from sensors to chemical and material systems.
The workforce at China Lake is a combination of military, civilians and contractors employed across many different commands focused on researching and evaluating cutting edge technological systems, and training of Navy personnel preparing for combat in areas around the world.
China Lake and the men and women who serve there play a key role in the Navy’s broader mission of protecting American interests on the world’s oceans.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Pohrivchak is most proud of earning the Civilian of the Quarter Award in 2019.
“It is nice to be recognized for all the hard work that is being performed,” Pohrivchak said.
Pohrivchak has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father served in the Navy,” Pohrivchak said. “Continuing this tradition of service is important to me.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Pohrivchak, as well as others at the command, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations to follow.
“Working for the Navy means coming to work every day and having an impact on military families and showing them that we care about them,” Pohrivchak said.