ESC leader recognized for top-notch direction of critical programs

  • Published
  • By Chuck Paone
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  An Electronic Systems Center leader has been recognized by the Air Force Association for leading several critical efforts, including one designed to solve a joint urgent operational need, or JUON.

Scott Farnsworth, director of the Family of Gateways Division within the Cyber and Net-centric Directorate, received the award at AFA's National Symposium in Washington D.C., in September. He was cited for leading an 80-member, six-program division that delivered airborne and ground gateway capabilities and developed and fielded systems providing networked command and control and situational awareness information.

Mr. Farnsworth's efforts delivered "tactical edge warfighter interoperability, closing existing data and voice network capability gaps," according to the award citation submitted by his supervisor, Col. Cordell DeLaPena.

The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node JUON work is high on the list of his group's accomplishments. BACN is delivering critical assistance to warfighters in theater, where it enables relay of voice communication over long distances, provides range extension and bridging between frequencies.

ESC awarded a $276 million, 18-month contract in 2009 to incorporate the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, or BACN, on two business jets and two Global Hawk Block 20 unmanned aircraft.

Mr. Farnsworth's team was also recognized as best ESC program for 2009 when it received the Shiely Award, and the BACN JUON was named a top Air Force acquisition program with receipt of the John Welch Acquisition Leadership award.

Described as "visionary" in the award package, Mr. Farnsworth was credited with directing a team that defined BACN scenarios and developed plans to field multiple payloads months ahead of JUON direction. He was also cited for "threading a very tiny needle," by navigating additional integration and test requirements with limited personnel and resources.

The AFA also lauded Mr. Farnsworth for developing BACN advocacy across all Defense Department stakeholders, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"Scott anticipates user needs then delivers real capabilities to meet or exceed requirements -- a true champion," Colonel DeLaPena wrote in summation of the award package.

Mr. Farnsworth's career began with the Navy in 1979 and has also included stints at the Brookings Institute and with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. He has worked for the Air Force since 2006. He holds a bachelors of science in civil engineering from the University of New Hampshire and a master's of science in engineering administration from Virginia Tech University.