INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) officially opened the Garvin (Wayne) Thomas Plant Watch Lab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2025, marking a significant investment in workforce training and process control capabilities as demand for solid rocket motors and other munitions continues to grow.
The new lab supports the command’s Energetics Manufacturing Department and is designed to strengthen plant operations while providing a controlled, non-hazardous environment for hands-on training, troubleshooting, and system testing, officials said.
The Plant Watch Lab replicates a fully functional production control system, allowing employees to practice real-world operational scenarios without impacting live manufacturing. In addition to serving as a training platform, the lab functions as a valuable source of spare parts for emergency repairs.
The lab’s operational Human Machine Interface (HMI) supports Oven/Plant Watch across multiple NSWC Indian Head Division facilities, showcases new technology to customers, and serves as a redundant operator interface with alarm capabilities. It also serves as a redundant data collection point for historic software, offering engineering personnel easy access to plant data across the Plant Watch network.
Approximately 50 instrument mechanics, engineering technicians, and engineers are encouraged to utilize the lab as needed to help them with completing daily tasks. A formalized training plan will be designed to meet the specific needs of each employee, with the goal of providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their current role and to prepare them for future opportunities.
The facility is named in honor of Garvin Wayne Thomas, a mechanical engineer who supported the U.S. Navy at NSWC Indian Head Division for 34 years. Thomas was known for championing hands-on learning and advocating for practical training environments that strengthen process control expertise.
A ceremonial plaque at the facility describes the Wayne Thomas Plant Watch Lab as the realization of his vision, noting that those who train in the lab will be well prepared to succeed as they support the mission of NSWC Indian Head Division.
Command officials said the opening of the Plant Watch Lab represents a key step in expanding manufacturing readiness and ensuring the workforce is equipped to meet increasing national defense requirements.
To explore the full scope of work being done at NSWC Indian Head and its Energetics Manufacturing Department, visit: navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Indian-Head/What-We-Do/Technical-Departments/Energetics-Mfg/
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