By MC2 Shawn J. Stewart

NPS Department of Physics Research Associate Professor Joseph Blau, Research Assistant Professor Keith Cohn and Distinguished Professor Emeritus William Colson, from left, are pictured in front of Spanagel Hall, Sept. 19. The trio makes up NPS’ Directed Energy Physics Group (DEPG), and has recently been honored with the Association of Old Crows Technology Development Award in the directed energy category.

“It’s meaningful to us that our accomplishments are being recognized by an organization whose scope is much broader than the DE [directed energy] field that we work in,” said Cohn. “It could enable us to establish relationships with others who work in related EW [electronic warfare] fields, potentially leading to new collaborations that would enhance our research and benefit our students, NPS and the Navy.”

The DEPG has been studying directed energy at NPS for the last 25 years. Nearly 100 students have received advanced degrees under the group’s guidance.

“Many of these students have gone on to hold high ranking positions in the Navy’s various directed energy programs,” said Cohn. “This award recognizes the totality of this body of work and influence.”

Past DEPG students include a number of notable leaders in the DE and EW fields, such as retired Navy Capt. Roger McGinnis, former director of the NAVSEA Directed Energy office; retired Navy Capt. Dave Kiel, former program manager for the Laser Weapon System (LaWS); and recent graduates like Cmdr. Ricardo Vigil, who is working on a next generation laser weapon that will eventually replace the LaWS.

“The recognition of our group illustrates NPS’ value to the Navy, especially with respect to cutting edge technologies like directed energy,” said Blau.

The Association of Old Crows is an organization of individuals with common interests in electronic warfare, information operations, and other information-related capabilities. With members in 47 countries, AOC’s membership includes executives, scientists, engineers, managers, operators, educators and military personnel.