CHINA LAKE, Calif. - Nahusenage Abebe, a native of Torrance, California, plays a key role in supporting the Navy's research, testing and evaluation of cutting-edge weapons systems for today’s sailors.
Abebe is an electrical engineer serving at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, known as “Secret City.”
“A vast weapons testing and training range operated by the U.S. Navy in California's Mojave Desert, this location is where military and civilian personnel developed or tested nearly every significant airborne weapon system since 1943,” said NAWS China Lake public affairs officer, Margo Allen.
As an electrical engineer, Abebe is responsible for creating hardware for the missile programs.
“I enjoy helping the warfighter and knowing my effort is directly linked to securing freedom around the world,” Abebe said.
Abebe is a 2018 California State Polytechnic University, Pomona graduate. According to Abebe, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Torrance.
“I learned teamwork attending El Camino Community College while tutoring students,” Abebe said. “It is important to communicate with people effectively.”
NAWS China Lake is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California, approximately 150 miles north of Los Angeles. The installation is the Navy's largest single piece of real estate, representing 85 percent of the Navy’s land for Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation (RDAT&E) use and 38 percent of the Navy’s land holdings worldwide. In total, its two ranges and main site cover more than 1.1 million acres, an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
Operating a facility as large as China Lake is a monumental task, considering 19,600 square miles of restricted and controlled airspace makes up 12 percent of California's total airspace. Compounding the challenge is the diverse nature of the operations that includes weapons testing and evaluation in air and ground ranges, research and development in highly sophisticated laboratories, and numerous science and technology projects ranging from sensors to chemical and material systems.
The workforce at China Lake is a combination of military, civilians and contractors employed across many different commands focused on researching and evaluating cutting edge technological systems, and training of Navy personnel preparing for combat in areas around the world.
China Lake and the men and women who serve there play a key role in the Navy’s broader mission of protecting American interests on the world’s oceans.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Abebe is most proud of finding ways to save money on projects.
“I am proud of the fact that we were able to save for the DoD and cut costs,” Abebe said. “This money was able to be used on other projects that support the warfighter.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Abebe, as well as others at the command, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations to follow.
“Working for the Navy means my contribution secures a better future for global security,” Abebe said.