In a talk, entitled, “Profound Simplicity: Wayne E. Meyer, the AEGIS Weapon System and a Century of Maritime Superiority,” Mr. Sean Stackley, former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition tells the story of Mr. Paul Mann and Admiral Wayne E. Meyer, the “Father of the Aegis Weapon System” and project manager of the Aegis Shipbuilding Project Office, recounting their remarkable efforts in producing thousands of MRAPS for use after 9-11, in an effort comparable to the incredible pace of design and production seen in the United States during WWII. He uses this story as a lead in to a fascinating discussion of a set of fundamental rules Admiral Meyer created for any team tackling large complex problems in naval warfare. The lessons can be applied in other contexts as well. The rules: 1. When tackling such large complex problems clearly define the problem you are attempting to solve; 2. Complex problems require large teams, who each have clearly delineated sub-problems, and know how their work fits into solving the large over-arching problem; 3. The group must generate a ‘threat book’ which defines the threat being designed against, and defines functions for each part of the system that is required to defeat that threat; and 3. In the face of uncertainty, timeliness is essential. Inaction in the face of uncertainty is fatal to success. Mr. Stackley followed up the talk with a question and answer period that clarified and further developed the story and leadership and team building themes of the afternoon, as well as advice for midshipmen.
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