The Naval Sea Systems Command welcomed a new labor and employment attorney to its Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, MD in December 2015. The attorney joined the DON OGC from private practice at Glasser and Glasser P.L.C. in Norfolk, VA. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Norfolk, VA welcomed a new Real Estate and Government Contracts attorney in December 2015 who most recently worked at the Shaheen Law Firm, P.C. in Virginia Beach, VA. The Acquisition Integrity Office welcomed a new Government Contracts attorney to its Washington, DC office in January 2016. The attorney previously worked at the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn, MD.

DON OGC launched a new Virtual Workshare Program in January 2016. Virtual Workshare projects will provide exciting new opportunities for DON OGC attorneys to further develop their legal knowledge, acumen, and leadership skills through hands-on training. The initiative will also allow our attorneys to develop expertise in different practice areas and to work with peers and mentors outside of their own command clients/offices.

The DON recently received recognition for its innovations in making “transparent aluminum,” a futuristic material made famous by the movie, Star Trek: The Voyage Home. An attorney from the Naval Research Laboratory patented the material, called spinel. It is clear to the eye but is as tough as armor. For more information, see https://suss.spawar.navy.mil/mp95gf and https://suss.spawar.navy.mil/z959ct.

DON OGC held its annual New Attorney Orientation on February 2 - 4, 2016. Seventy-one attorneys attended the orientation comprised of attorneys new to the legal profession and seasoned attorneys new to OGC. On the first day, the group attended a training session at the Washington Navy Yard where senior leaders provided key insights into OGC practice. The attorneys then traveled to Marine Corps Base Quantico for a training simulation exercise and on to Norfolk Naval Base and Naval Air Station Oceana for a tour of an F-18 squadron and ship tours onboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and USNS WILLIAM MCLEAN (T-AKE 12).

The year 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of DON OGC. Throughout the year, DON OGC plans to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of excellence!

During February 2016, DON OGC recognized National African American History Month. As noted by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michelle Howard: “By taking the time to educate ourselves on our history and the people who shaped this nation we can more fully appreciate the ideals set down by the founders.” Since the Revolutionary War, African Americans have served in and sacrificed their lives for our Nation. African Americans joined America’s fight for independence from Great Britain and fought in the Civil War, making up ten percent of the Union Army by the war’s end.

On December 13, 2015, attorneys from the Office of Naval Research volunteered at a local food kitchen serving lunch to needy men, women, and children in the Washington, DC area. Our attorneys are committed to giving back to the community, especially during the holiday season!