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Russell "TJ" Tjepkema


BAE Systems Ship Repair Deputy and Vice President of Operations, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair
Russell "TJ" Tjepkema

Russell “TJ” Tjepkema is Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair business and is responsible for the operation of the 109 acre shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia, its 1300 employee workforce, five piers, two floating dry-docks and shops in support of government/commercial ship maintenance and modernization.

Under Mr. Tjepkema’s leadership, the current MSMO programs have achieved a level of success unparalleled in the port, recognized by unprecedented high Award Fee Scores in the mid nineties. His management style encourages innovative planning and production processes that have resulted in real cost savings coupled with a high quality product.  Under his leadership, the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan has been fully supported through the early completion of Maintenance Availabilities and returning operational steaming days to the fleet. He is recognized as a maintenance leader in the port actively partaking in all levels of US Navy Maintenance initiatives including the Surface Warfare Enterprise working groups, Super Hot Washes and establishing strong ties with Navy’s maintenance leadership.

He is a retired Senior Naval Officer with 30 years of combatant ship operational and maintenance experience including command of a large deck amphibious ship (LHA) and  his assignment as the first Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center.

Mr. Tjepkema has extensive experience leading major MSMO and Maintenance programs both in the Cost and Fixed Price Environment including LHA/LHD MSMO, DDG MSMO, Cruiser Modernization MSMO, LPD-17 FOA/PSA contract, numerous PSA and Foreign Military Sales conversions. All programs have received high Award Fee and CPAR scores. His USN experience has given a unique perspective and thorough understanding of the Navy’s budgetary, maintenance and operational process and requirements.

Mr. Tjepkema retired from the U.S Navy as a Captain in early 2005.  While on active duty his sea commands included tours as Commanding Officer of USS NASSAU (LHA-4) and USS BOULDER (LST-1190).  His major shore command was as the Navy’s first Commander Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center; where he was responsible for all maintenance, assessments, and technical assistance efforts in the Mid-Atlantic, Sixth, and Fifth Fleet regions.