Across our company

Air Force pilot thankful for Fighter Data Links

Master Sergeant Bryan Wyatt, deputy program manager at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, and Major Tom Davis, a Nellis Air Force Base flight and weapons instructor, visited the Rockwell Collins Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) team on May 17 to provide first-hand user perspectives on the Fighter Data Links (FDL) system.

The MIDS program, part of the Data Link Solutions business formed by Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems, developed the FDL system to provide visual controls and capabilities that allow F-15 pilots to track another aircraft's position and status without voice transmission.

A pilot in several Middle East missions, Major Davis shared with our team personal accounts of how communications products worked before FDL, and the success of missions after FDL was instituted.

"Being without Fighter Data Links is comparable to being in a dark room and relying on voice alone to know where everyone else is located," said Davis. "Having the FDL system is like turning the lights on." Video clips of the FDL products in use exemplified Davis's words.

Following the presentation, Major Davis and Master Sergeant Wyatt took a factory tour of the MIDS area, which provided an opportunity for one-on-one discussions with assembly and test personnel. Davis and Wyatt also visited BAE Systems to reinforce the importance of our products, and express thanks on behalf of the armed forces.

Cedar Rapids employees participate in Day of Caring

More than 100 Rockwell Collins employees in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, recently participated in this year's Day of Caring, which was organized by the United Way of East Central Iowa. Our employees were among 900 volunteers from the Cedar Rapids area visited 20 charitable agencies and donated their time painting, cleaning and doing other chores.

"Our employees are very generous," said Melanie Richert, a Community Relations specialist at Rockwell Collins who also helped organize the event. "They are always willing to donate their time and their knowledge, and everyone has a good time."

According to Richert, our employees worked on several projects at a variety of United Way agencies including Willis Dady Emergency Shelter, Horizons Family Service Alliance, Area Substance Abuse Council, and the Salvation Army.

The annual Day of Caring event is part of our company's Hands Across America (HAA) campaign activities, which will begin this year on Monday, July 16. Employees will once again be asked to pledge both volunteer service and money to the 2007 campaign. This year's HAA goal is to raise $2.5 million and 90,000 volunteer hours.

Commercial Systems New Hire Training a success

Engineers joining Commercial Systems at Rockwell Collins are receiving a wealth of information as part of the business unit's specific orientation process.

Known as Commercial Systems New Hire Training, the most recent session was conducted in early April and saw more than 150 new engineers receive the information necessary to help them excel in their new positions.

"About 40 percent of our workforce in Commercial Systems Engineering has been with our company for less than two years," said Steve Nieuwsma, vice president of Commercial Systems Engineering at Rockwell Collins. "It's very important that we provide our new employees with the training necessary to help them be productive as quickly as possible."

Classroom training — such as that presented in Cedar Rapids during the first week of April — for the various technologies produced and used by Commercial Systems, and information about an individual's specific department, is provided.

New hires are provided with information about their specific department, as well as classroom training — such as that presented in Cedar Rapids during the first week of April — for the various technologies produced and used by Commercial Systems.

"Our company is taking a very proactive approach to bringing our new employees on board and helping them feel comfortable in their new positions," said Nieuwsma.

In addition to the Commercial Systems New Hire Training program, our company will introduce an enterprise-wide on-boarding program for all new employees in June. The purpose of both programs is to create a positive first impression of Rockwell Collins, and to help welcome and integrate new employees into both our company and our communities. The new program offers greater leadership involvement and a formalized sponsor program during a new hire's first few months of employment.

Presidential Candidate Duncan Hunter visits Cedar Rapids

Republican Presidential Candidate and U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter learned more about Rockwell Collins during a recent tour of our production operations area in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee also was briefed on our company and the government side of our business by Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Clay Jones, and Greg Churchill, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Government Systems.

During the tour, Hunter – who resides in California – talked with our employees and shared his gratitude for our company's commitment to making high quality military products.

"My son just finished his second tour in Iraq, so I fully understand the importance of keeping our soldiers safe and I appreciate all of your hard work," Duncan told a group of employees in the displays and airborne areas of Building 108.

Duncan's visit to Rockwell Collins concluded with a demonstration of our Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit.

This was Congressman Hunter's first visit to our Cedar Rapids facility. Earlier this year, he announced his intention to run as a Republican candidate for president.

Students learn about career opportunities

Nearly 550 students between the ages of 9 and 15 now have a better understanding of what their parents do at work, thanks to a recent event at Rockwell Collins facilities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Introduced in 1996, the Take Your Child to Work Day provides young people a chance to familiarize themselves with potential career opportunities that exist within our company. It also reinforces the message that careers in math, science and technology can be fun.

Rockwell Collins employee Brooks McLaren (left) shows a group of students what can be made using a 3-D printer. McLaren works in the Advanced Technology Center's Model Shop, which is where mock-ups of our products are made. Photo by John Thomas, FishEye

Rockwell Collins employee Kevin Havran (right) helps a group of students during the annual Take Your Child to Work Day in Cedar Rapids. A senior lab assistant in Commercial Systems, Havran taught those in attendance about circuit board components. Photo by Jill Wojciechowski

"The excitement and enthusiasm that these kids bring to our workplace for the day is incredible," said Senior Community Relations Specialist Jenny Becker, who is involved with organizing the event. "It's fun to watch them realize how much fun math and science can be and how both subjects are applied in the workplace."

In addition to spending time with their parents, students were divided into groups and toured several areas including the Advanced Flight Deck, the 787 Lab and the BRS System Integration Lab.

According to Julie Schlueter, this event is not only designed to introduce students to potential career opportunities, it also allows our employees a chance to share their enthusiasm about our company and the roles they play in helping us succeed.

"Our employees take a great deal of pride in what they do," said Schlueter, a senior project manager in charge of the event. "This special day allows them to share that pride with their children."

The Take Your Child to Work Day at Rockwell Collins is affiliated with National Take Your Child to Work Day. For information about how you can introduce an event like this in your facility, visit http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org. You also may contact Julie Schlueter via email at jaschlue@rockwellcollins.com or Jenny Becker via email at jlbecker@rockwellcollins.com.