Koch receives honor from Jim Thomsen (l.) and Steve Mitchell (r.).

Jim Thomsen, Principal Civilian Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (in the photo above left), and Steve Mitchell, NSWC Technical Director, presented Koch with the award in recognition of his outstanding service as acting NSWCDD Technical Director since 2004.

‘‘You are recognized for your outstanding accomplishment in leadership and technical excellence,” said Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, Naval Sea Systems Commander, in a letter presented to Koch. ‘‘Under your leadership, Dahlgren has become stronger in the last five years as a unified Navy laboratory while responding to the emerging needs of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Department of Defense following the principles set by the Navy for building the future force.”

‘‘On behalf of the United States Navy, we are proud of your many accomplishments during this critical time in the history of our nation and all of democracy,” said Rear Adm. James Shannon, NSWC Commander, in a second letter Koch received at the ceremony. ‘‘You have ‘set the bar high,’ and your leadership has been vital to the success of our entire Warfare Center organization. Let the record show that while this nation has been fighting two wars overseas, your contribution to naval mission accomplishment has been greater than most. Congratulations on a job well done!”

Koch was named NSWCDD Deputy Technical Director on Feb. 1, 2010.