White Oak Laboratory Proud Memory Garden

Dedication Ceremony
30 September 2011

There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere. - Isaac Asimov
White Oak Laboratory

Proud Memories of the White Oak Laboratory

We gather here today to remember the proud tradition of research at the White Oak Campus and bring closure to the thousands of dedicated public servants who made it possible. When the Laboratory moved to the White Oak site in 1946 their new facilities were reportedly "the best Navy Laboratory ever built". For over fifty years the scientists, engineers, and support personnel who entered its doors worked hard to live up to that reputation. The caliber of these people was recognized throughout the research community and led to the Laboratory's successful accomplishment of its mission. Their rare combination of creativity, sacrifice and dedication to the Fleet left the Navy and the Nation with a lasting legacy of advances in science and technology. As you walk through the memory garden we hope it will evoke recollections of how the White Oak Laboratory developed all the Navy's underwater mine systems, from the mines that closed Japanese waters in World War II, CAPTOR, and the mines that blockaded North Vietnamese ports. Other memorable accomplishments included advancing explosive technology for Navy weaponsproviding advanced fuzing for projectiles and bombsleading battery development for naval and other applicationsthe strategic systems work for the Navy's first strategic missiles; POLARIS, SECT, the POLARIS/TRIDENT submarinedeveloping advanced materials for land, sea, and spaceoperating unique facilities such as the hypervelocity wind tunnel and hydroacoustic tankand supporting Operations Desert Storm. Leaders and employees alike served as mentors and graduate school professors. Employees at every level were encouraged to expand their knowledge in their respective fields of expertise. Laboratory personnel frequently served in the field and at sea to solve Fleet problems. Our spirit of sharing did not stop with our Navy team and Laboratory family. We participated in community events and career fairs for students, donated blood to the Red Cross, and tutored in the local schools. We also took time out from our work to form bowling leagues, a film club, a band and various recreational activities. The annual Bill's Bunch production showcased employee talents while providing fun for White Oak families. Another source for enjoyment was the wildlife, including a herd of deer and a pair of Canada geese that set up housekeeping on Laboratory property to start a family that soon became a flocka flock which never leaves. These are but a few of the memories we commemorate todaymemories shared by the men and women of the White Oak Laboratory who, over the years, proudly devoted their considerable talents to supporting the Fleet. We salute the people responsible for these proud memories, not only for their past efforts, but for the technical foundation they laid for the future Navy. To each of them a hearty Well Done!

A Special Thank You from the White Laboratory Alumni Association

For over a decade the White Oak Laboratory Alumni Association (WOLAA) teamed with staff from the Food and Drug Administration, the General Services Administration, and the Labquest Partnership to bring to fruition a fitting tribute to properly recognize the history of the Navy's tenure at White Oak. Today we dedicate the White Oak Laboratory Proud Memory Garden which commemorates 50 years of Navy R&D at this site. This day would not have been possible without the support of many. The WOLAA extends heartfelt appreciation to those whose efforts helped ensure we reach this milestone and for all the hard work behind the scenes which helped ensure the success of this ceremony. In particular we offer our deepest gratitude to Mr. Francis Klem, Director, Navy Ceremonies and Special Events for the Naval District Washington. His steadfast support of the White Oak Laboratory both before and after its closing exemplifies the finest values of the uniformed and civilian Navy team. We also appreciate the professional expertise and guidance of the FDA Logistics Services Team; they have been instrumental in making today's event worthy of the tradition of the White Oak people. We also want to recognize the following people who are participating in the ceremony today: Our Guest Speakers Navy Ceremonial Guard U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Ensemble Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock, MD Gary Garvin, retired USN graphic artist Ray Zook, soloist The Sweet Adeline Quartet Elain Hadidiacos, Tenor Anne Russell, Lead Eve Sclawy, Baritone Cheryl Cross, Bass

The White Oak Laboratory Transition to Food and Drug Administration

For fifty years, the White Oak Laboratory (WOL) bridged the substantial gap of turning science and technology into naval superiority to support the Fleet. This strong research and technology base helped protect our men and women in uniform and, as an added benefit, often supported other science and technology efforts and the public sector. The WOL technology transfer program supported the medical community's research and development. For example, Chaos research that was advanced by the Laboratory in the late eighties has contributed to medical applications used for controlling heart arrhythmia and epilepsy seizures. Battery research and engineering for the Fleet has resulted in substantial safety improvement for lithium batteries that are essential for medical devices. NITINOL, the metal with a memory, was discovered at WOL and now has critical medical applications in stents for heart disease and for dental, eye glasses, and orthopedic uses. The BRAC 1995 decision to close the Navy's White Oak Laboratory laid the foundation for the research park that surrounds you today. It is tribute to the Navy and the past employees at this site to know that this campus will continue to sustain science and technology that will lead to a better life for the American people and the world community. The White Oak/Hillandale Community could not have found a better neighbor than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Similar to the Navy patriots who once carried out their critical mission to protect the nation, the FDA employees protect the health of citizens across the globe. Though FDA can trace its history back to the appointment of chemist Lewis Caleb Beck to the Agricultural Division in the Patent Office in 1848, its origins as a federal consumer protection agency began with the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act. This law was the culmination of about 100 bills over a quarter-century that aimed to rein in long-standing, serious abuses in the consumer product marketplace. The passage of the 1906 Act was due in large part to the untiring scientific and political efforts of Harvey Washington Wiley, who at the time was chief chemist of the Bureau of Chemistry of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FDA's predecessor. The 1906 Act prohibited misbranded and adulterated food and drugs in interstate commerce. Eventually, the position of chief chemist of the Bureau of Chemistry evolved into that of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The products FDA regulates account for more than one in five of all dollars spent on consumer products in the U.S.or more than $1 trillion a year. FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of tobacco products to protect health and reduce tobacco use by minors. FDA is also responsible for helping to speed innovations that make medicines more effective, safer and affordable. The industries FDA regulates lead the world in innovation and FDA plays a critical role in safely enabling this innovation. To serve the public health the agency must have the capacity to oversee the translation of breakthrough discoveries in science into innovative, safe, and effective products and life-saving therapies for the people who need them most. 21st Century regulatory science is central to FDA's goals of protecting and promoting health, and our safety and security -- goals which have truly global dimensions. In response to the globalization of the markets we regulate, FDA has opened offices all over the world. It is fitting that FDA's dedicated workforce, many of whom are headquartered here at White Oak with many more to come in the near future, carry on the proud tradition of the WOL.
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Program of Events
Arrival of Official Party Advance the Colors National Anthem Retire the Colors Invocation Dr. Ed Baker, Deacon (former WOL employee) Dr. Margaret Hamburg Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration Mr. James E. Thomsen Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development, and Acquisition Raymond Zook, soloist Betsy Bretz Chairperson, Labquest Partnership Mr. Ralph D. Bennett, Jr. Trio to the National Emblem Sweet Adeline Quartet

Welcoming Remarks FDA at White Oak White Oak Legacy continues

There She Stands Reflections from the Community

Tribute to NOLs first Technical Director

Diversity at the White Oak Lab Life at the Laboratory

Mr. Nathan Stinson, Jr. Dr. Ira Blatstein Assistant Professor, John Hopkins University (former Technical Director, Naval Surface Warfare Center)

Benediction

The White Oak Laboratory Proud Memory Garden

This garden commemorates the history of the United States Naval Ordnance Laboratory, later known as the White Oak Laboratory of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, which flourished on this site for 50 years. The original mission of the Laboratory was to ~Conduct research, development, product engineering, test, and evaluation of naval ordnance, materials, and components. The above quotation is from the first of nine plaques which have been prepared to define and preserve the legacy of the White Oak Laboratory. The plaques tell the following story:
The purpose and mission of the White Oak Laboratory The history of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. The products developed to support the Navy's underwater weapon systems. The products developed to support the Navy's air and surface weapon systems. The facilities used to conduct aerodynamics and hydrodynamics R&D. Explosive technology leadership for the Navy. Examples of the outstanding physics and chemistry research and products. Examples of the many field and laboratory facilities available for R&D. Fulfillment of the legacy set forward by Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal at the dedication of the Naval

The White Oak Laboratory Legacy Wall

The Naval Ordnance Laboratory began in the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. in 1918 and had a proud tradition through World War II. After the war, a new complex was constructed at a very remote suburb in White Oak, Maryland, and the Laboratory moved there in 1946. The White Oak Laboratory proudly served the Navy and our country for over 50 years until closing in 1997. The two plaques on the WOL legacy wall symbolize the strength of the White Oak Laboratory: Dr. Ralph Bennett Dr. Bennett came to the Naval Ordnance Laboratory during the war and served as a Captain in the U. S. Navy. As both a scientist and a Navy officer, he forged a strong bond between the military and scientific side of the enlarged laboratory, establishing the technical leadership model that came to serve all the Navy Laboratories. When he retired from the Navy he continued to lead the Laboratory as its civilian Technical Director. In this role he built a strong Navy and civilian technical partnership that served the nation for over fifty years. Mr. Nathaniel Stinson Nate Stinson was a mechanical engineer at the White Oak Laboratory and continued to serve the Navy with his leadership in employee equal opportunity. He symbolizes the Navy's recognition that the people who worked at the WOL were the Laboratory's most important resource. By promoting fair treatment of all employees and a cohesive community, he helped shape a workplace where people came and stayed throughout their careers. The Kiosk in front of the Legacy Wall is an interactive display that tells the story of the technical work done at the White Oak Laboratory. It also shows how employees and the community bonded and enjoyed personal as well as professional satisfaction. The technical story is based on the history of the White Oak Laboratory published in the Legacy Book. The display includes four videos, including an edited version of the Bill's Bunch famous food fight silent film from one of their annual shows. The shared experiences of the White Oak Family, the strong leadership of its directors, and the common goal of service to the nation created an environment that led to the Proud Memories we honor with the White Oak Laboratory Legacy Wall and Kiosk.

Ordnance Laboratory in 1946. As you enter the garden from the FDA Conference Center you will notice the NOL benches made from stone used for the faade and steps of the main building. These benches are dedicated to all the personnel at the Laboratory who provided the outstanding and needed support for the scientists and engineers to achieve their tasks. You will walk along a curved path, lined by bricks that came from the main buildings, that loops back to the Conference Center. Nine stepoffs are provided to observe and read the nine plaques. The path has an extension that leads to the restored Building 1 - connecting the past and future. The historical preservation of the White Oak Laboratory includes the restored Building 1 with the beautifully restored lobby; the fire house, Building 100; Building 130; the Proud Memory Garden; and the Legacy Wall in the FDA Conference Center. These physical tributes and the White Oak Laboratory Legacy book serve to provide a lasting commemoration of the proud achievements the White Oak Laboratory produced for the Fleet and our country.