NUWC Keyport

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility partnered with the North Kitsap School District to host the annual STEM Summer Camp for local elementary and middle school students, June 29 - July 2. Check out the full story here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571762/navy-commands-team-with-north-kitsap-school-district-stem-summer-camp.

08/06/2026

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport has become the first Warfare Center to receive official approval from Naval Sea Systems Command for a metal powder bed fusion additive manufacturing procedure. Check out the full story here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571674/nuwc-division-keyport-receives-navsea-qualification-metal-additive-manufacturing.

08/03/2026

Sustaining our warfighting advantage requires a dedicated team of experts committed to Fleet readiness. Among these experts is Erik Rydbom, a seismic modeling and simulation lead engineer at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport.

“Erik is a pleasure to have as an employee, and he delivers tremendous value to Keyport and the Navy’s mission,” said his supervisor.

“Erik possesses an infectious enthusiasm for modeling and simulation,” added a coworker. “When people ask how to develop complex models, Erik is our go-to expert. He's incredibly eager to share what he's learned. He has a rare, excellent teaching quality. He can take overwhelming, complex systems and calmly, patiently explain them to anyone.”

“He's very driven and knows his stuff. He’s definitely a good guy to work with, very personable,” said another coworker.

Erik was born and raised in Federal Way, Washington. From a young age, he loved putting things together and making models out of balsa wood. After high school, he worked in the construction industry before deciding to return to school in his late 20s. While attending Bates Technical College in Tacoma, he discovered a passion for mechanical engineering and decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Washington State University Bremerton.

While working on his capstone project at WSU—an advanced fluid dynamics analysis sponsored by Keyport—Erik learned about the work being done at the command.

“I got a feel for what it’s like to be an engineer at Keyport and the sort of research and development work the command does,” said Erik. “And that was like a golden bell to me. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, I can do some innovation and be creative and use a lot of my skills. This is really, really cool. I can't wait to work here.’”

Erik graduated in 2020 and planned to start working at Keyport immediately afterward. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay in his plans. He used the extra time to earn a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from WSU in Pullman. He completed his degree in 2022, just in time to begin his current role at Keyport.

Shortly after coming onboard, Erik played a key role in standing up new, high-fidelity modeling and simulation capabilities at the command. Erik eventually helped secure a multi-year contract with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, for which he serves as lead engineer.

Erik regularly returns to WSU Bremerton as a senior design mentor teaching advanced fluid dynamics and propeller simulation to undergraduate engineering students.

By helping ensure the structural safety of submarines during maintenance, Erik’s work at Keyport directly supports the second and third Naval Sea Systems Command Enterprise Strategy Lines of Effort: “Generate Readiness” and “Generate, Capture and Use Data.”

Outside of work, Erik enjoys snowboarding, disc golf and other outdoor pursuits, often in the company of his German Shepherd mix, Nova. He also plays guitar and continues his lifelong hobby of building balsa wood models. (He’s currently working on an airplane.)

07/27/2026

Sustaining our warfighting advantage requires a dedicated team of experts committed to Fleet readiness. Among these experts is Colton Crist, an electronics engineering lead and on-site installation coordinator for shipboard navigational sensor equipment at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport.

"Colton consistently demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, professionalism and leadership," said his team lead. His ability to coordinate complex installations, solve problems under pressure, and work effectively with both ship's force and technical teams has earned him the respect of his peers and leadership alike. Colton is someone the team can rely on to deliver quality work while maintaining a positive and collaborative attitude."

Colton was born and raised in the small town of Lolo, Montana, located just outside Missoula. His grandfather, an engineer who had worked on Mars rover projects, instilled in him a passion for figuring out how things work. After finishing high school, Colton completed a two-year church mission in Cusco, Peru, followed by a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Montana State University.

During his senior year, he helped build an autonomous underwater submarine from the ground up for a competition in California, a project sponsored by NUWC Division, Keyport. In 2016, Colton was hired to work in the command’s Undersea Systems and Sustainment Engineering Department, and he has since proven himself to be an invaluable member of his team.

In his current position, Colton serves as a vital liaison during equipment rip-outs and installations. His work directly supports the first and second Naval Sea Systems Command Enterprise Strategy Lines of Effort: “Accelerate Force Generation” and “Generate Readiness.”

Outside of work, Colton loves snowshoeing, fly fishing, mountain biking, reading science fiction and spending time with his wife of five years—a former welder at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility—and their two young children. He also enjoys making chocolate from scratch, a hobby he picked up after visiting cocoa farms in Belize.

07/20/2026

Sustaining our warfighting advantage requires a dedicated team of experts committed to Fleet readiness. Among these experts is Cameron Camero, a Fleet customer advocate at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport Detachment Pacific.

“Cameron is an excellent representative of Keyport and an advocate for his Fleet customers within our teams,” said his supervisor. “As our sole customer advocate in Hawaii, Cameron takes on a level of responsibility with regard to customer communications and face-time that may be unique in our customer advocate cadre.”

A coworker added, “Cameron [has] a highly analytical, data-driven approach to problem-solving. He possesses the ability to translate complex engineering principles into practical solutions for the Fleet.”

“He is friendly, easy to work with, has a positive attitude, and he's always willing to step in and really help keep things running smoothly,” said another coworker.

Cameron grew up in Lanai City, Hawaii, where the main employer was the local pineapple plantation. “My parents made it a point to have all the kids, including me, work in the pineapple fields at least one summer to learn the value of hard work. Their thing was if you don't go to college, then picking pineapple was what you’d be doing the rest of your life, really.”

Cameron did go to college, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After completing his degree, he spent some time in the private sector designing software and PC video games.

In 2005, he began working as an electrical engineer at NUWC Division, Keyport Detachment Pacific on Ford Island, Hawaii. He went on to work in the command’s Operational Test Analysis and Assessment Branch, writing software for the highly successful Visual Interactive System for Training and Analysis program. In 2015, he became a deputy customer advocate, and in 2021 he began his current position as Keyport’s fleet customer advocate in Hawaii.

Cameron’s work directly supports the second and third Naval Sea Systems Command Enterprise Strategy Lines of Effort: “Generate Readiness” and “Generate, Capture and Use Data.”

Outside of work, Cameron enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also loves hiking, paddling, relaxing at the beach, working on home automation projects and following the Chicago Bears and Bulls.

07/17/2026

NUWC Division, Keyport Computer Scientist Isabel Hinkle recently received the 2025 Command Award for “Outstanding Contribution to STEM Education and Outreach.” Check out the full story here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/570182/nuwc-division-keyport-computer-scientist-honored-with-stem-education-and-outreach-command-award.

07/13/2026

On Friday, NUWC Division, Keyport officially welcomed Lt. Cmdr. Michael Johnson as Detachment Pacific’s new Officer in Charge during a Change of Charge ceremony at Ford Island.

Fair winds and following seas to outgoing OIC, Cmdr. Nate Battle, who is retiring after 30 years of dedicated naval service!

Stepping into the role, Lt. Cmdr. Johnson brings a wealth of hands-on experience, having started his career as an enlisted torpedoman’s mate before earning his commission.

As he takes charge, his focus remains firmly on the mission and the Sailors, civilians, and contractors who make it happen: "The top priority is always meeting the mission mark, but you can't be successful without investing in your people. The Navy's biggest asset is its people."

Welcome aboard, Lt. Cmdr. Johnson, and thank you for your incredible service, Cmdr. Battle! 🇺🇸

07/13/2026

Happy Monday, Team! Check out the spotlight below on another exemplary NUWC Division, Keyport employee! Sustaining our warfighting advantage requires a dedicated team of experts committed to Fleet readiness. Among these experts is Mechanical Engineer Alex Read, a standout employee known for his work ethic, positive attitude and deep expertise in robotics and rapid prototyping.

A Poulsbo, Washington native, Alex first became passionate about engineering during his senior year of high school, after taking part in a Keyport STEM outreach event in which he built underwater remotely operated vehicles.

“We put together some PVC pipe and had some people from Keyport come over and show us how to build a basic motor,” said Alex. “I just remember thinking that it was awesome that we got to build something hands on at school. It kind of got me hooked into engineering. It made me realize engineering is fun and it's different than a couple of the other things I was looking at.”

After completing high school, Alex earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering with honors from Montana State University, followed by a certificate in computer programming from Colorado State University Global.

In 2014, Alex began working as a contractor at Keyport, where he helped design the largest steel structure the command had fabricated to date. Two years later, he started his civilian career as a design mechanical engineer in the Test and Evaluation Department. In the years since, he has held a variety of mechanical engineering roles in the Test and Evaluation and Undersea Systems and Sustainment Engineering departments.

Along the way, Alex also earned his professional engineer license, secured two patents and deployed multiple times to Operation Ice Camp to support research, testing and evaluation of operational capabilities in the Arctic region.

Alex’s colleagues praised his engineering skills and upbeat personality.

“Alex’s greatest strength is his positive, can-do attitude,” said his supervisor. “He has a unique ability to pair a great sense of humor with a relentless work ethic. He moves fluidly between mechanical and electronics engineering, which makes him a cornerstone of our team culture.”

A former supervisor added, "He's an impressive young engineer who has been involved in many high-profile, successful projects. He loves to get involved in exciting work and jumps in to assume leadership. He's always doing great work that people are really pleased with, but he also just likes to make people laugh and smile.”

Outside of work, Alex enjoys time with his wife, an elementary school music teacher, and their one-year-old boy. He is also a runner with a goal of completing marathons in all 50 states. His other hobbies include backpacking, fishing, hunting, sailing, beekeeping and raising chickens.

07/06/2026

Sustaining our warfighting advantage requires a dedicated team of experts committed to Fleet readiness. Among these experts is William Traylor, an equipment specialist at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport known for his technical expertise, perseverance, and commitment to supporting the Fleet and his fellow Keyporters.

“He is irreplaceable as a technician for us,” said William’s team lead. “He’s probably the best technician for our legacy equipment. He is respected by both the Fleet and everyone here at Keyport. He brings immeasurable value to the team.”

A coworker added, “What I appreciate most about working with William is his encyclopedic knowledge and his excellent communication skills. He is always the first one to volunteer if someone out in the fleet needs an onboard technical assist. He has a vast knowledge of the systems and easily relates to both technicians and engineers.”

William was born in Pell City, Alabama, where he spent most of his childhood. His family had a deep tradition of military service: His parents met while serving in the Air Force, and both of his grandfathers also served, one in the Army Air Corps and the other in the Army Infantry. After graduating from high school, William enlisted in the Navy as an electronics technician. He completed ten deployments and served aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). During his time on George Washington, he was selected for the Limited Duty Officer program and commissioned as an ensign.

In 2019, while still on active duty, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in technology management from Excelsior University.

William went on to serve as NUWC Division, Keyport’s executive officer before retiring in 2024 as a lieutenant commander after 28 years of service. Soon after, he began his current civilian role at Keyport, where his decades of maritime and technical experience have made him an invaluable asset to the command's underwater communications team.

Through his work installing and repairing shipboard communication systems, training Sailors and mentoring his colleagues, William directly supports the second and fourth Naval Sea Systems Command Enterprise Strategy Lines of Effort: "Generate Readiness" and "Strengthen the Navy Team."

Outside of work, William enjoys time with his wife, their two adult children—a son who serves as a Navy officer and a daughter who works as a licensed practical nurse—and their two dogs. He also loves snowboarding, 3D printing, riding motorcycles with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and taking scenic drives through the mountains and countryside.