GPS World, September 2010
Passing the Torch Dave Madden Retires from GPS Wing Command and U S Air Force In an exclusive interview Col Dave Madden shown here with original GPS JPO director Brad Parkinson gives a status update on GPS modernization He outlines steps the GPS Wing is taking to ensure worldwide PNT services are not interrupted to explore a more robust means of ensuring compatibility and to become more involved in the development integration and testing of new military and possibly civil user equipment Don Jewell I had the honor of attending Colonel David Maddens retirement luncheon at the Space and Missile Systems Center SMC on Los Angeles Air Force Base LAAFB on June 16 and it was quite an event Just prior to it I asked Dave if he would like to conduct an exit interview after he took a short vacation with his family He agreed it would be a good idea and a way to say some things he has wanted to say for awhile During the retirement luncheon various people and organizations presented Dave with mementos of his time at the GPS Wing I stopped counting at approximately 50 different presentations This is an indication of the high regard in which Dave is held by those with whom he works on a daily basis Interview Don Jewell DJ Dave after almost four years fi rst as the vice commander and then for the last three years the commander of the GPS Wing of what are you most proud Colonel David Madden DM Overall the GPS Wing has made significant progress over the years moving critical space system developments and acquisitions forward The GPS Wing continues to lead with a back to basics foundation of rigorous system engineering incorporated strategies like parallel risk reduction and capability insertion efforts incremental delivery of timely and valuable capabilities to warfighters and civil users and best business practices with solid cost estimates and contract incentives Our new GPS III space vehicle Next Generation Control Segment and our GPS Modernized User Equipment programs incorporate our latest thinking of these innovations and pave the path as a model for future acquisitions low risk and high confidene associated with program execution cost schedule and technical performance The GPS Wing team has had many specific accomplishments over the last four years The complete interview posted online GPS World September 2010 www gpsworld com 46
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