USC Engineering Student Lands
Dream Internship Columbia Junior Working With
Engineering Services Network on Supercarrier USS George H.W.
Bush Through Charleston Defense Contractors Association Program
CHARLESTON, SC (July 14, 2008) – Thomas “TJ” Wood
Jr. never expected his studies in computer engineering at the
University of South Carolina at Columbia to lead to contributing
his talents to provide inputs for some of the Command, Control,
Communications, Computer and Intelligence (C4I) systems being
installed during the construction of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN
77).
While not directly funded to support the USS George H.W. BUSH,
the opportunity opened up for Wood when the USC junior received
one of five internships offered by the Charleston Defense Contractors
Association (CDCA) www.charlestondca.org.
The nonprofit association pairs up member companies to host
college interns for the newly created CDCA Summer Internship
Program. Wood’s internship is with the Charleston office
of Engineering Services Network Inc. (ESN), a trusted leader
in engineering and technology solution. Ten companies applied
for the internship program, and ESN was one of four chosen.
“We’re honored to team with CDCA to offer young
people like TJ this opportunity and help keep valuable engineering
jobs in South Carolina,” ESN CEO and President Raymond
F. Lopez Jr. said. “At ESN we believe in nurturing young
people and ideas. We’re glad we can make a contribution
to the future of the industry and our nation.”
Since starting his internship May 16, Wood has worked side-by-side
and shoulder-to-shoulder with ESN engineers and SPAWAR managers
as part of the construction of the USS George H.W. Bush, a
Nimitz class supercarrier.
Gregg Schneider, assistant director of operations in Charleston,
said ESN is tasked with systems operational verification testing
of the supercarrier’s communications system. That involves
ensuring that all operational, combat and communication systems
are working, coordinating systems testing and providing test
results to the U.S. Navy, Washington and, eventually, Congress.
“The ship can’t really be certified until the
testing is complete. It all leads up to the commissioning of
the ship,” said Schneider, who retired as a radioman
senior chief after 23 years in the Navy. “We coordinate
with PEO (Carrier Program Office) in Washington and make sure
every system is interoperable. Otherwise the ship wouldn't
be able to communicate with shore sites and launch planes.”
To that end, Wood, 21, might get a chance to go onboard the
supercarrier with the ESN team during the Installation Coordination
Team (ICT) meeting in Newport News, VA in July, which Gregg
and TJ will attend. “He’s getting into the groove
of what we do as a defense contractor and will see first hand
the workings of how a new aircraft carrier looks as it is being
built.” Schneider said.
“I like ESN and how everyone works together on projects.
The team approach is really different,” said Wood, of
Goose Creek, S.C., a suburb of Charleston. Wood is also impressed
with the team’s work ethics. “I had an idea they
could work on projects and interact, but being there and hearing
about it are totally different experiences.”
ESN is a small, service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVO) company
offering IT and business consulting and specializing in military
and government contracts.
Schneider said the CDCA internship is a great opportunity
to keep future engineers in South Carolina. “Instead
of them going to Washington, DC, New York or California, CDCA
wants to keep the interns at home, helping them develop a career
here and helping the state,” he said.
That also fits in with Wood’s goals. After graduating
in 2010, he wants to stay in the Charleston area, where he
and his family have ties. His father, Thomas, and older sister,
Brooke, are graduates of USC. “This paid internship is
really helping out. I was actually shocked that I got this
intern grant. I am honored to be selected by CDCA,” said
Wood, whose 10-week internship ends in August.
The internship, his first, is giving Wood hands-on experience
and other opportunities that he hopes will help him in the
workforce and in his dream to become an engineer.
“I’m really interested in computers, as an engineer,
helping out with projects in the world or the community,” he
said. “As an engineer, you work on projects that can
affect everyday life. I would love to work in a civilian sector
or with federal contractors.”
Wood added: “I hope to use this experience to seek future
employment. I can’t thank the CDCA and ESN enough for
giving me this opportunity.”
Based in Arlington, VA, ESN has regional and field offices
throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Founded in 1995, ESN has
achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification. ESN customers include
the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps,
Military Sealift Command, Department of Health and Human
Services and other federal agencies. Visit us at esncc.com.
ESN is a
service-disabled, veteran-owned company
Media Inquiries:
Carol Castaneda
Castaneda Global Communications
1+703-369-0414
castaneda77@aol.com
ENGINEERING SERVICES NETWORK, INC. | 2450 CRYSTAL DRIVE - SUITE 1015 | ARLINGTON, VA 22202
