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William Zinger and Edward Lee, of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), in Laurel, Md., recently received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the Navy's highest civilian honor. Retired Vice Adm. Phillip Balisle, former commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, presented medals and citations to Zinger and Lee on behalf of the Navy during a June 20 ceremony at APL.

"It is my pleasure to honor two individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the Navy and to the safety of our country," said APL Director Dr. Rich Roca during the ceremony. "It's a credit to our organization to have people of this caliber on our staff."

Zinger is recognized for "outstanding distinguished service as associate head of APL's Air Defense Systems Department from 1996 to 2005, and as head of the Ship Systems Branch from 1986 to 1995." He is also recognized for his "lead role in the development of the Aegis SPY-1 Radar and Combat System, Navy Ballistic Missile Defense, the Cooperative Engagement Capability System, and Integrated Ship Self Defense" — efforts that span more than four decades of his Laboratory career.

Lee is recognized for "outstanding distinguished service as program area manager for Battle Force Projects at APL since 1996, and for leading an innovative Laboratory group for two decades, which has conceived, prototyped, transitioned to industry, and deployed with the warfighter critical new air and missile defense, and time-critical strike capabilities."

As stated in their citations, the "significant accomplishments" made by Zinger's and Lee's teams are "essential to the Navy's and the Joint Forces' warfighting capabilities" and are a "testament to their management, operational, and technical prowess, and ability to inspire Laboratory teams to strive for excellence in fulfilling their roles as part of a trusted Navy and DoD [Department of Defense] resource."

Zinger is a resident of Columbia, Md.; Lee lives in Eldersburg, Md.