Capt. Grant "Flash" Gorton received the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) Outstanding Performance Award at the Enterprise's Air Board meeting, March 6.

Gorton earned the honor through his work as the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N98 Logistics and Readiness Branch head, and as the director of the NAE's Future Readiness Cross-Functional Team (FR CFT).

In those roles, he acted as the principal architect behind automated enhancements of the Rack and Stack Tracking Application (RASTA) Tool as a module on the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) for Program Objective Memorandums (POMs) 17, 18 and 19. For POMs 18 and 19, he also expanded the search for long-term game-changers which will impact how naval aviation conducts business beyond the Future Years Defense Program.

Additionally, Gorton led efforts focused on science and technology projects which support readiness and total ownership cost reduction. During his tenure, he identified more than 24 initiatives for funding with a return on investment of better than 10-to-1 and saw a $728 million life-cycle cost reduction.

In his recognition letter to Gorton, Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, wrote, "Your vision and personal efforts have been responsible for elevating the FR CFT and OPNAV N98 to the next level of enterprise behavior. The NAE will continue to benefit from your hard work, and each of us is appreciative of what you have done in support of the team."

As a resource sponsor for almost every type/model/series (TMS) aircraft in naval aviation, Gorton helps fund the TMS's individual needs requisite to current and future aviation readiness.

"Future readiness initiatives are responding to and championing the voice of the fleet," Gorton said. "Almost every initiative has intrinsic value, and more often than not, has a return on investment in the out years."

The logistics solutions he implemented as part of future readiness generated $1.7 billion in savings. He is proud of that accomplishment and of the work his team did to execute a directed budget for sustainment programs valued at $12 billion annually. The team also implemented overarching guidance to stand up F-414 engine capability at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, championed the procurement of F/A-18 flight control surfaces totaling $1.5 billion and spearheaded a new contract to execute an early-look inspection on two Super Hornet aircraft.

Commenting on his recent recognition, Gorton said, "To me, being a recipient of the NAE Outstanding Performance Award is tied to the measure of effectiveness and success of our combined team efforts. 'We' instead of 'I' goes along way. The NAE is an important facet of naval aviation. It takes a holistic view from the clouds, and channels multiple efforts to help combat the most complex issue plaguing our naval aviation readiness."

He has a list he calls "Words of Wisdom According to Flash," which codifies his professional philosophy. In essence, they encapsulate a positive attitude, emphasis on team, and a dedication to excellence on the job.

"Perhaps the best reward you can give an individual is the ability to do more work," he said. "Don't forget to put them in higher positional authority."

The Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) is a cooperative partnership of naval aviation stakeholders focused on sustaining required current readiness and advancing future warfighting capabilities at best possible cost. It is comprised of Sailors, Marines, civilians, and contractors from across service branches and organizations, working together to identify and resolve readiness barriers and warfighting degraders.

Since 2008, naval aviation leaders have recognized NAE Outstanding Performance Award winners monthly to promote a culture of cost-wise readiness.

Read more about the Naval Aviation Enterprise and view previous NAE Outstanding Performance award winners at www.nae.navy.mil

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