Alumni Spotlight
Steve Colfer '79 and Jason Smith '96 Receive
Outstanding Alumnus Award
AttheHomecomingBanquetinCastineon successfulupgradesthatincludedtechnological ourindustryhavethecapabilityandstaminaneed-
September 19, Steve Colfer '79 received
improvements that, in turn, reduced workloads
ed to perform this function [leading tests and trials
one of the two 2015 outstanding Alumnus
and ship ownership costs. According to Frederick
for two vessels of different classifications]. None are
Awards for his distinguished leadership in the
J. Harris '67, president of General Dynamics
as wel suited or universal y respected as Steve."
maritime field and his uncompromising commit-
at NASSCo and BIW, he also "delivered a ful y
In addition to his bachelor's degree in marine
ment to technical competence, innovation, and
integrated bridge with improved machinery and
engineering from Maine Maritime Academy, Steve
service.
damage control systems" in addition to excellent
earned a master's degree in business administra-
Editor's Note: Jason Smith '96 was unable to join
communications and computing systems. Later,
tion from Thomas College in Maine. He is also
us and wil be honored at the 2016 Homecoming
Steve became the Program Manager for Test and
a graduate of BIW's Management Development
Banquet, to coincide with his 20th reunion, after
Activation of the DDG 1000 Program, which
Program and the Department of Defense ­ Defense
which we wil include his story in the Mariner.
designed and built the iconic stealth vessel. He
Systems Management College. He has held his chief
over the past 36 years, Steve Colfer's remark-
further "distinguished himself by leading this revo-
engineer's license for 30 years and maintained a
able managerial skil s have contributed to the
lutionary ship class through its design, integration,
Department of Defense high security clearance.
nation's defense and sea power. Not only has Steve
and delivery" phases.
At home, Steve enjoys time with his wife, two
contributed to the maritime and defense industries,
Now, as Director of Tests and Trials, Steve is
daughters, and two granddaughters. Recently, he
but he has also consistently dedicated his time to
leading the DDG activation phase as part of the sea
has taken up golf and has been spending his time
supporting others.
trials for the DDG 1000. Simultaneously, he is com-
improving his game. Fishing and kayaking on the
When Steve was Program Manager for the DDG
mencing the test and activation of the DDG 115
lake near his home in Monmouth, Maine help him
Modernization at Bath Iron Works (BIW), he led
class of destroyers. Harris added, "Few leaders in
decompress and remain close to nature.
Ann Luken '05 works for the
National Geospatial Intelligence
Agency (NGA) as a maritime ana-
lyst for Africa and the Middle East.
A colleague at NGA is involved
with producing the new edition of
The American Practical Navigator,
better known as Bowditch. NGA
is specifical y looking for content
comments, feedback, and input
from the professional mariner
community. MMA Professor Don
Eley is encouraging everyone who
is in the maritime industry to take
a look at the new edition and send
feedback as soon as possible.
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MARINER / 2015 - ISSUE 3

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