McCarthy makes first visit to AEDC

  • Published
  • By Janaé Daniels
  • AEDC/PA
Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. --  William J. McCarthy visited Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) for the first time recently. 

McCarthy is the deputy director of Net-Centric, Space and Missile Defense systems, from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). 

His visit had a dual purpose - first, to witness the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense's (THAAD) Live-Fire Test and Evaluation program in the center's hypervelocity impact and ballistic range (G-Range), and second, to better understand the center's space systems since he oversees operational testing of all DoD space systems. 

"I knew we were coming up against another significant test event for THAAD here at the center and there's not much you can actually see during the event because it's all closed up," McCarthy explained. "But, by coming early we were able to look at the entire test set up. We were able to view some of the test results and some of the physical test results you can see on site like the actual debris from the test which is very significant." 

Even though he has not been here before, McCarthy was familiar with AEDC's space capabilities due to several meetings he attended where former commander Col. Art Huber was present. 

"By talking with him, I became aware of some of the initiatives," he said. "We're involved in working with the DoD Test Resource Management Center who is one of the sponsors for the Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT) initiative. I've seen several briefings on that initiative, and it's great to actually come see the facility and see where work is actually starting on the first phase." 

Like many who visit AEDC for the first time, McCarthy was not only impressed with the facilities but with the professionalism of the work force as well. 

"I've been impressed across the board," he said. "I'm very impressed with the team of folks from a very young second lieutenant fresh out of the Air Force Academy who is very enthusiastic, very professional, to folks who are national treasures because they've been doing this for a long time and the expertise they bring. 

"It's been great to have the opportunity to talk to them and talk about what they're doing and a lot of exciting work." 

McCarthy had the opportunity to visit other test facilities as well. 

"We walked and crawled around several of the wind tunnels," he said. 

"As a former Navy aviator, for me to see some of the physical models and to see the tunnels where they were tested, was exciting." 

McCarthy considers himself a history buff of technology and finds it interesting how technology has changed. 

"Things that were done in the 1960s are absolutely fascinating to see how they were put together and then to see how some of the technology has evolved and advanced. There's really a unique blend of some classic test techniques with very modern, state-of-the-art techniques." 

Rick Rushing, AEDC project officer, understands the importance of a visit like this. 

"Since we play a role in operational test and evaluation, he can be an important advocate for AEDC, such as facility upgrades," Rushing said. 

McCarthy is a native of Teaneck, N.J., and is a graduate of the College of Holy Cross Worcester, Maine, where he was commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1977 and spent the majority of his career flying the E-2C Hawkeye. Operational flying tours included VAW-125, VAW-121 and VAW-126. 

While serving as executive officer of VAW-126, McCarthy participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. A graduate of and instructor at the Naval Test Pilot school, he has flown more than 30 different military aircraft, accumulating more than 4,000 flight hours and 700 arrested landings. 

In 2007, he joined the professional staff of the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center. In that capacity he served as a special advisor for net-centric systems to the director, Operational Test and Evaluation staff. In August 2009, he returned to federal service and was appointed to the Senior Executive Service.