Two top performers from Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas were selected for the inaugural Bridge and MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator Boot Camp, a prestigious educational training program, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 in San Diego.

Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Mattivi, resident officer-in-charge of construction (ROICC) at Naval Computer Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Finegayan, and Dr. Thomas Spriggs, environmental flight chief, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) will join other ambitious professionals from the Pacific to attend this intensive five-day educational opportunity.

Mattivi and Spriggs were selected from a multitude of applicants from all Navy and Marine Corps commands in the Pacific.

"The training is meant to empower cohort members with knowledge and experience that is gained from Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, tailored to our unique mission field supporting the warfighter," said Spriggs.

The camp trains and educates attendees on technology, security, and venture creation that promotes the development of innovative solutions in order to enhance the military's capabilities. It will feature world-renowned faculty, top venture capitalists, and many more. Participants will have the opportunity to learn business case studies, thinking methodologies, and develop their professional network.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to participate in the program and to leverage my background in business and construction to innovate the Navy's approach to project execution," said Mattivi. "I believe the experience will give me new insight on how to build persuasive business cases and advance ideas."

Mattivi and Spriggs anticipate sharing their knowledge with the command to help empower others to create dynamic and creative solutions.

"I expect this class will raise my awareness to real-world issues and how organized dreamers implement their ideas in real-life situations," said Spriggs.

Mattivi and Spriggs are prepared for the intense training at this boot camp, and are looking forward to better supporting NAVFAC Marianas in the months and years ahead.

"I see our command in the near future being tasked with heavier workloads and demands," said Spriggs. "This will help bring innovation and efficiencies to our organization."

The Bridge and MD5 Boot Camp program aims to foster a culture of innovative thinking amongst Pacific Fleet uniformed Sailors and civilians. Members of this cohort will be trained in fundamentals of venture creation and practical aspects of evaluating and transitioning encumbered ideas into enabled solutions to fleet-centric challenges.

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For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.