NAWCTSD Change of Command

The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Invites you to Meet The New Commanding Officer of NAWCTSD

Nov. 8, 2018
8:30am - 9:30am at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill (2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, Florida).

Captain Timothy Hill , Commanding officer of the Naval Air warfare Center Training Systems Division will brief The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce and the community on Central FL Research Pk.

Registration Link - Coffee Club Goldenrod

Research Park, is the Largest Research Park in Florida and the 4th largest in the US by number of companies.

I have worked and volunteered within this community for more than a decade, and it's also the duty station where I met and married by husband, SCPO Benson.

Below is the Press Release, provided NAWCTSD Public Affairs

ORLANDO, Florida - Capt. Erik Etz turned over command of Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and Naval Support Activity Orlando to Capt. Timothy Hill during a change of command ceremony on Friday, Nov. 2.


Before the ceremony began Etz addressed the NAWCTSD workforce. "It has been the highest honor of my career to serve with you all here at NAWCTSD," he said. "This Navy adventure has been the most amazing part of my life – I am thankful to have made many memories with all of you."



After turning over command to Hill, Etz retired from the Navy after 28 years of naval service. During his career he logged over 3,500 flight hours in over 35 types of aircraft, including over 2,950 F/A-18 hours and over 840 carrier landings on 14 different aircraft carriers.



Upon assuming command, Hill thanked Etz for his service and support, "I likely would not be here (in Orlando) today if not for your persuasion in getting me to check out the slating here at NAWCTSD." He then emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships at Team Orlando. "Partnership must be in our DNA- we'll leverage the capabilities and efforts of all our partners, and continue to provide value to all of our customers. We will do this with a laser focus on delivering the right product to the Fleet at the right time or sooner."



Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Commander, Rear Adm. John S. Lemmon, was the guest speaker presided over the ceremony along with Commander Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Babette "Bette" Bolivar.



Lemmon thanked Etz for his leadership at NAWCTSD and spoke about the significance of the command. "NAWCTSD is integral to the Navy’s mission to ensure our Sailors and Marines are in a constant state of readiness," he said. "The importance and relevance that NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando bring to the fleet will continue to grow as training requirements evolve."



Located within the Central Florida Research Park, NSA Orlando is the home of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) Orlando. NAWCTSD Orlando is the Navy's principal center for modeling, simulation, and training systems technologies. NAWCTSD provides training systems development for a wide spectrum of military programs, including aircraft, surface ships, submarines, and other specialized requirements.



Prior to assuming command Hill served the Executive Officer of NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando.

Source:  NAWCTSD Public Affairs (407) 380-8372

Previous Work

Laura Benson (AKA Laura Burk) previously owned Game Plan Media, a subsidiary of Laura Burk, Inc. 

Game Plan Media offered grass roots marketing programs, unique events, advertising and media as well as consulting services for small businesses in Greater Orlando. 

Prior to owning Game Plan Media, Laura also owned Media that Sells, Inc. which specialized in Media Buying and Placement Services. You could see her client’s advertisements at Bowling Centers, Golf Courses, Recreational and Entertainment Centers and YMCA Family Centers. 

Laura got her start in Advertising at a company formerly known as The Business Card Exchange. She was hired as an assisted and quickly promoted to Director of Operations, helping to expand the company's 9 locations to over 65 locations throughout Greater Orlando. She also inspired Face2Face Exchange Events, The Exchanger (a monthly newspaper highlighting clients and board locations) and also created the company's website. 

Laura has over 18 years of marketing experience in Orlando, FL. Many of her customers are owner/operators, doctors and businesses that cater to family and children’s products and services.


She provides her talents and skills to many veteran service groups and professional organizations. Laura has served on boards including the Dr. Phillips Chamber and also the Women in Defense (WID) as well as committees for the East Orlando Chamber, Women On Wednesday, the Central Florida Navy League and the VFW Post 4287 Ladies Auxiliary.


Her company was the event coordinator and founder of Baldwin Park’s Movies in Park. Which was later gifted to the community of Baldwin Park.

Laura, with the support of Semper Fidelis America, Inc. and formed the Patriotic Tribute Event Series to unite the community together in honor and support of our military and veterans. We planned many community events throughout the years together.


She continues to use the Patriotic Tribute Facebook Page to support local heroes, military and veterans as well as support organizations and often shares about Military Life and Military Caregiving from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Laura has been a district wide Partner in Education with Orange County Public Schools for over a decade.

Laura planned Movie of the Month promotions with Regal Cinemas, offering businesses an opportunity to become part of the entertainment and activities involved in movie promotions. Her company has been working with several Regal Cinemas locations located in Orlando, FL for many years.


Russ Wasendorf, Jr acquired Game Plan Media in 2016 and renamed it, Game Plan Media Events. Russ is the owner of Complete Developer.


Together, Russ and Laura are launching a new subsidiary called “Game Plan Local”