NAWCAD Lakehurst, N.J. –
As the Cryogenics and Corrosion Control Support Equipment (SE) Integrated Product Team (IPT) lead at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst, New Jersey, Asif Yeahia knows many people may not understand fully the work his team does. But when one is working with substances at temperatures below negative 200 degrees, they end up with one of the "coolest" jobs at the Warfare Center—both literally and figuratively.
The cryogenics team specializes in servicing oxygen and nitrogen systems on aircraft, focusing on the storage and dispersal of liquid and gaseous nitrogen and oxygen.
“Whether it’s supporting the warfighter or ensuring our naval aircraft are fully operational and mission ready, cryogenics plays a huge role,” Yeahia said. “From inflating aircraft tires to servicing struts, to ensuring aviators’ breathing oxygen meets cleanliness standards, cryogenics SE is involved in all of it.”
To meet those demands, the team works closely with the Common Aviation Support Equipment
Program Office, the cryogenics depot at Lakehurst’s Depot Repair Point (DRP)-14 and industry partners to support the warfighter. While each team member is assigned specific equipment, they collaborate to troubleshoot issues quickly and effectively.
“It’s a very collaborative process,” Yeahia said. “Whether it’s in-service items or designing something new, there’s a lot of feedback and teamwork involved.”
The team includes engineers and contractor support personnel, all united by a common purpose. Yeahia describes them as “scientists by nature,” constantly experimenting and refining innovative ideas until they become practical, fleet-ready solutions.
“A lot of people aren’t entirely familiar with how quickly a contaminated oxygen system can pose a safety risk to personnel and aircraft,” Yeahia said. “Even something minuscule could potentially cause a catastrophic incident.”
Because of those risks, safety remains a top priority. Earlier this year, the team organized a cryogenic system safety course, bringing in industry experts to train the Lakehurst team alongside depot artisans and technicians. The training focused on safe handling of cryogenic systems and maintaining strict oxygen cleanliness.
Dana Kaminsky, the team’s supervisor, emphasized how critical that knowledge is, noting improper oxygen cleanliness levels can lead to catastrophic failures.
She also highlighted the team’s close collaboration with the depot, which she said plays a vital role in their success, both on the Lakehurst campus and abroad.
“Those guys go above and beyond. They’re involved in installs, troubleshooting and engineering support,” Kaminsky said. “They’re a great resource to have here, and they’re a fantastic group of people.”
Innovation is a constant theme for the cryogenics team. One of their recent accomplishments was developing a compact oxygen relief valve tester for ejection seats. The device tests emergency oxygen systems on seat survival kits, parachute bottles and relief valves, all critical components for aircrew safety.
Previously, maintainers relied on an obsolete piece of equipment, called a liquid oxygen converter test stand, to examine aircraft liquid oxygen converters and emergency oxygen systems. As modern aircraft introduced new requirements, however, the team developed a system that better meets current needs, is certified for shipboard use and is ruggedized for fleet operations.
“It feels like a huge accomplishment when you’re presented with a challenge that’s impacting the fleet and you can identify a path forward,” Yeahia said. “Ultimately, we always ask ourselves, ‘How is this going to help the fleet?’ That level of accountability is critical to everything we work on.”
Kaminsky said Lakehurst has been involved in cryogenics for decades, and the team is proud to continue that legacy. Their strong team dynamic is also a key part of their success.
“Everyone works together. I know there are a lot of teams here that collaborate, but even outside of work, we support each other on a personal level,” Kaminsky said. “There’s so much to be said for keeping morale high, having each other’s backs and making sure everyone is excited about what they do.”
Adam Hochron is a communications specialist with Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey. 