At ASEC, “being the expert” is more than just a core value; it is a continual pursuit that defines our approach to every project, every challenge, and every customer interaction. Expertise, for our team, is not a static destination—it is a dynamic process driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on the needs of the Warfighter. As ASEC grows, so do the individuals who make our mission possible.
We spoke with three ASEC team members— Kelly Rainey, Spencer Pedroni, and Samantha Rorabaugh— who have each embraced this journey in unique ways. Their insights reveal how ASEC’s culture of adaptability and lifelong learning drives their personal and professional growth, and ultimately, the success of the company.
Expertise Defined: Kelly Rainey’s Commitment to Precision and Learning
For Kelly Rainey, expertise is rooted in a meticulous understanding of naval aviation maintenance and technical documentation. As a technical writer at ASEC, her role involves more than just putting words on paper. “My responsibilities include creating and updating technical documentation based on Technical Publications Discrepancy Reports (TPDRs) and other revisions,” Kelly explains. She also provides analytical reviews and technical validations to ensure the accuracy and clarity of maintenance manuals and training resources, critical to the Navy and Foreign Military Sales clients. In her role, expertise means being able to translate highly technical concepts into clear, actionable documentation that supports operational readiness and maintenance efficiency.
But expertise, Kelly emphasizes, is not static. It requires continuous education and a proactive approach to staying informed. “To achieve this expertise, I engage in continuous education, leverage my extensive experience, seek feedback, and collaborate with technical experts to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the materials we produce.” This blend of education, collaboration, and dedication is central to how Kelly stays at the forefront of her field.
Kelly’s ongoing pursuit of education has been instrumental in her ability to innovate and refine her work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science while maintaining her qualifications as an avionics technician in the USN reserves. This dual focus on theoretical and practical knowledge allows her to better understand and implement complex aircraft systems into her training materials. She recalls a time when her advanced education directly impacted her work: “It allowed me to better understand and implement complex aircraft systems into our training materials, leading to more accurate and effective documentation for our clients.” This example underscores the direct connection between education and the high-quality work that helps ASEC employees the various missions of our DoD customers.
Spencer Pedroni: A Dedication to Growth and Expertise
For Spencer Pedroni, expertise is defined by a mastery of P-8A systems, technical writing, and training. His role is multifaceted, involving the management and editing of wiring diagram and system schematic manuals as well as instructing on the flightline. Spencer’s approach to expertise involves rigorous attention to detail and a commitment to learning. “To achieve expertise,” Spencer says, “I routinely study the major P-8A systems, I make organization a priority, and I tackle every task with a positive mindset.”
Spencer’s day-to-day work involves far more than just delivering quality publications. His teaching responsibilities, particularly in the P-8A electrician “C” school and the AAS daily course, position him as a critical touchpoint for transferring knowledge to the warfighter. Expertise in his role, therefore, means not only having technical knowledge but also the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively to others.
Like Kelly, Spencer recognizes the importance of continuous learning in staying ahead in the defense industry. Having completed his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics, Spencer is now pursuing an MBA in aviation with a certificate in project management. He credits ASEC’s flexible scheduling and support for professional development with enabling him to balance his role with his education. “Further education has given me the confidence to manage larger projects,” Spencer reflects. This educational background has also improved his organizational and process skills, making him more effective in handling the varied demands of his role.
Samantha Rorabaugh: Innovating Training for the Next Generation
As an Instructional Systems Specialist, Samantha Rorabaugh is responsible for analyzing existing U.S. Naval training programs and creating new curricula that will better serve sailors through the Ready Relevant Learning initiative. “My current project focuses on improving the AWR/AWO C School courses and the AWR Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training,” she explains. This involves conducting training site visits and working with subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify gaps in the current curriculum and recommend improvements.
Samantha defines expertise as a combination of experience and a willingness to seek out new knowledge. “To achieve this, I don’t hesitate to ask questions, look at the work my colleagues are producing, and ensure that I’m responding to feedback,” she says. Her dedication to learning recently led her to earn an Instructional Design certificate from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), which she credits with enhancing her ability to develop well-structured learning objectives for new curricula.
Samantha’s role requires adaptability as she navigates the complexities of curriculum development. Her expertise is continually evolving through collaboration with her team and SMEs, as well as through ASEC’s support for her continuing education. “ASEC has been incredibly supportive of my professional development, providing guidance and resources to help me pursue further certifications,” she notes.
Samantha’s commitment to continuous growth reflects ASEC’s core values of adaptability and expertise. She plans to continue building her skills, with a goal of earning a Master’s certificate or gaining expertise in specialized areas such as test creation and evaluations. Her advice to new ASEC employees? “Ask all the questions, seek feedback from leadership, and take advantage of every learning opportunity the company provides.”
Adaptability in Action: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
At ASEC, adaptability is not just a buzzword—it is an essential part of how employees approach their work. For Kelly, Spencer, and Samantha, adapting to changing circumstances is a daily practice. Kelly recalls having to quickly revise technical documentation to meet a pressing deadline. “By adapting swiftly, we not only met the deadline but also improved the accuracy and usability of the documentation for the client,” she explains.
Spencer’s adaptability was tested during his travels to instruct on the AAS daily inspection. “Working with flight schedules and coordinating with squadrons required flexibility,” Spencer notes. His ability to adapt in real time while maintaining a focus on quality and instruction highlights the essential role that flexibility plays in ASEC’s success.
For Samantha, adaptability is crucial when implementing recommendations from SMEs into training curricula. “Every change requires careful analysis and the flexibility to adjust our approach to better serve the needs of the sailors,” she explains. Her ability to shift focus and find solutions in real-time is essential to ensuring that training programs are both relevant and effective.
Building Expertise for the Future
Kelly, Spencer, and Samantha are all focused on developing their expertise in ways that not only benefit ASEC but also prepare them for leadership roles in the future. Kelly is actively pursuing leadership training and project management skills to deepen her knowledge of emerging technologies and expand her role. Spencer envisions his role growing to include more leadership responsibilities and project management tasks. Samantha is focused on expanding her instructional design skills and pursuing advanced certifications to further enhance her expertise in curriculum development.
ASEC’s Commitment to Fostering Expertise
At the heart of ASEC’s mission is the belief that adaptability and continuous learning are essential to maintaining expertise in a fast-evolving industry. As Kelly, Spencer, and Samantha’s stories demonstrate, expertise is not something that is achieved overnight—it is the result of a sustained commitment to growth, education, and the pursuit of excellence.
ASEC’s culture of adaptability and expertise supports this journey, offering employees the resources, flexibility, and mentorship needed to stay ahead in their fields. Whether it’s through tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, or the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, ASEC is dedicated to helping its employees grow into the experts our customers rely on.
The pathway to expertise at ASEC is a continuous journey, marked by adaptability, education, and a shared commitment to excellence. Through their dedication to learning and their ability to adapt to new challenges, Kelly Rainey, Spencer Pedroni, and Samantha Rorabaugh embody the values that make ASEC a trusted partner in the defense industry. Their stories serve as a testament to how expertise is cultivated—through a blend of hard work, constant learning, and a readiness to embrace the unknown.
As we look to the future, ASEC remains committed to supporting the growth and development of our team. After all, expertise is not just about what we know today—it’s about how we prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.