DVIDS:

For years the Javelin launcher sat in Barry Pike’s office – a prized memento that he actually fired – testament to his devotion to the warfighter, and a constant reminder of the importance of that commitment.

“It gives you a great appreciation for the engineering, and the quality and reliability that our engineers here, and in industry, really put into those weapons systems to make sure they’re safe,” said Pike, of the day he went from the science, technology, and acquisition side of the weapons system to feeling the power of the man-portable missile firsthand. “It leaves an indelible impression on you; it really does leave a changed mindset.”

“Having grown up as an engineer and been around the safety, reliability, and quality associated with those systems, but then putting that missile right next to your ear with a warhead, and just thinking about our men and women that operate those systems – it’s a big honor.”

After 35 years of devoting his livelihood to that honor, Pike, director of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center Technology Development Directorate, is saying goodbye. He will retire Dec. 31, marking an end to his childhood dream to be an engineer for the Army working on missile systems…

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