It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Point Mugu Missile Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Point Mugu Nawc, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Point Mugu State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Flightline Cafe or visit Point Mugu Rock, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Point Mugu Nawc, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Point Mugu Nawc, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Point Mugu Nawc, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Better leaders. Better outcomes. Better capabilities for the warfighter. At the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, this is the ripple effect of dedicated mentorship.And it starts with one person: Justin Vidal-Phillips, the 2024 Naval Air Systems Command Mentor of the Year for Point Mugu.Vidal-Phillips mentors in the trenches, using hands-on coaching and personalized guidance to shape the next generation of leaders. This results in stronger leadership across the organization—leaders who boost team performance, driv...
Better leaders. Better outcomes. Better capabilities for the warfighter. At the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, this is the ripple effect of dedicated mentorship.
And it starts with one person: Justin Vidal-Phillips, the 2024 Naval Air Systems Command Mentor of the Year for Point Mugu.
Vidal-Phillips mentors in the trenches, using hands-on coaching and personalized guidance to shape the next generation of leaders. This results in stronger leadership across the organization—leaders who boost team performance, drive project success, and create cutting-edge tools and technology for the warfighter.
One standout moment cited in his award nomination was when Vidal-Phillips mentored a new supervisor. He guided him through creating technical and personality-based interview questions to target the specific roles needed for projects and identify candidates with potential.
For Vidal-Phillips, it's not just about skills on paper—it's about finding engineers who fit the culture and share the mission.
"I'd show him how to look beyond the résumé, include personality traits you observe during the interview, and understand how someone's experience, even with a lower GPA, might actually demonstrate their skills," Vidal-Phillips said.
But how did this down-to-earth, roll-up-your-sleeves mentor feel when the spotlight finally found him?
"Humbled. It means a lot to me because it shows I've made a positive difference in a few people's lives," Vidal-Phillips said. "Knowing one person thinks I'm doing a good job means everything to me."
Chris Stockwell, division head of Mission Planning and Off-Board Mission Systems, emphasized that Vidal-Phillips is intentional in his mentorship, building a long-term leadership pipeline.
"In our changing environment, we must focus on cultivating new leaders and staying ahead of attrition," Stockwell said. "Justin has a clear passion for developing leaders and often makes mentoring others his top priority."
As a branch head in the Spectrum Warfare Department, Vidal-Phillips oversees nearly 50 employees. He supports projects, provides budget input, and develops both leadership and technical skills.
At his core, Vidal-Phillips keeps it simple: "I like to help people find and reach their potential."
Simple words, perhaps, but the real tests of leadership rarely happen in a conference room. For Vidal-Phillips, they played out on a rugby pitch in Brighton, England—a seaside town where scrums, tackles and blood-stained shirts were part of the grind.
As a young player, he showed promise early on. Coaches soon noticed that younger teammates gravitated toward him, leaving him no choice but to step up.
"That's where I learned about leadership and leading teams," Vidal-Phillips said. "We had a captain, but everyone ended up following me—I led by example."
At 16, his family moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. But no matter where he went, leadership found him.
"I kept ending up in leadership roles, even though I always tried to avoid them—until I came here to NAWCWD," Vidal-Phillips said.
With rugby no longer in the picture, technology became his new playing field.
After graduating from California Lutheran University, Vidal-Phillips quickly found success as a back-end developer at Intuit and later as a quality assurance lead at a startup.
But technical skills could only take him so far. His blind spot? People.
"I used to not think about people's emotions or what impact my statements would have on them," Vidal-Phillips said. "I struggled to collaborate effectively. I was dismissive and, frankly, aggressive. My attitude was basically, 'If you're not going to do it, I'll just do it myself.'"
This mindset created a barrier. Soft skills felt like an afterthought in fast-paced tech. That changed when his first real mentor offered blunt feedback.
"Justin, you need to chill out. You'll get more bees with honey than with vinegar," the mentor said.
The advice stung, but it stuck. Over time, he saw how his delivery was driving people away.
"It was pretty eye-opening," Vidal-Phillips said. "I had no choice but to change my approach."
After 10 years in tech, Vidal-Phillips was ready for a change.
His next stop? A larger organization with opportunities to expand his leadership and technical expertise.
In October 2018, Vidal-Phillips joined NAWCWD and soon recognized the real-world impact of his work.
"I worked on a project that gave me contact with the fleet," Vidal-Phillips said. "I was able to see the positive impact that my work was having."
But while Vidal-Phillips excelled technically, he recognized the need to develop other crucial skills.
"The biggest change in me came from the mentorship of Wei-Li Young," Vidal-Phillips said.
Young, who works in the Talent Management Office within the Spectrum Warfare Department and was a NAVAIR Mentor of the Year in 2022, supervised Vidal-Phillips in those early years. She saw his passion and potential but knew he needed to grow.
"Justin was passionate and driven, with great ideas that could benefit both projects and the command," Young said. "However, to have his ideas heard and make a meaningful impact, he needed to refine his approach—focusing on communication, leadership and collaboration with others."
Young invested time in helping Vidal-Phillips strengthen his communication skills and leadership abilities, emphasizing the importance of professional presentation.
"I was still in that tech mindset. So, I'd wear jeans and a T-shirt," Vidal-Phillips said. "She helped me understand that it's how you present yourself, because I came from a culture where your work speaks for itself."
Her mentorship rewired his thinking. He stopped seeing leadership as just about delivering results and began to focus on continuous learning and collaboration.
"I try to learn from as many people as possible," Vidal-Phillips said. "So, my mindset has changed to more of a learning mindset, which has helped me get to this point."
Vidal-Phillips stresses that soft skills are crucial, particularly for technical professionals who want to become stronger leaders. He guides supervisors in developing empathy and interpersonal communication skills—areas where he once fell short.
People had always been his blind spot, but mentorship became his corrective lens, helping him see the bigger picture: leadership isn't just about technical results—it's about unlocking human potential.
He now champions the very thing that helped him transform: mentorship.
"A good mentor can make a huge difference," Vidal-Phillips said. "A good mentor early in your career can set you up for success, and a good mentor later in your career can help you realize your potential."
For Vidal-Phillips, to lead is to serve. He distinguishes between "leader" and "mentor."
"I think anybody can be a leader, but a good leader is a mentor," Vidal-Phillips said. "A good leader, to me, is also a servant to their employees. True leadership is about understanding and bringing out the best in each individual."
His philosophy shapes how he coaches team members, especially those stepping into leadership. What sets him apart is his ability to tailor his mentorship to each person's specific career stage. It's never one-size-fits-all.
One nomination highlight involved a journeyman who was struggling in a senior role.
Seeing gaps in the employee's technical knowledge, Vidal-Phillips advised him to fill them as a frontline developer.
"You need to understand how things work at the ground level before you can lead others," Vidal-Phillips said.
The employee took the advice and is now thriving in his new role. He's on track to return to the original senior position in a year or two.
Mentorship for Vidal-Phillips is about the bigger picture. It's about developing strong leaders who impact the entire mission at NAWCWD.
"If I can help a team lead improve their leadership skills, the whole team will perform better, leading to better project results and, in the end, better capabilities for the warfighter," Vidal-Phillips said. "It's a ripple effect."
This year, Vidal-Phillips is working on a curriculum tailored for new supervisors to ensure this ripple effect continues. He walks them through key challenges, from hiring strategies to conflict resolution. He also mentors junior and senior employees, shifting gears based on where each person is in their career.
"For younger employees, I'm more hands-on," he said. "With experienced employees, it's more of an open-door policy—' Hey, send me a message if you want to talk.'"
From rugby pitches in England to NAWCWD, Vidal-Phillips' journey shows the impact of mentorship and personal growth. Tough lessons in tech taught him that empathy and communication matter just as much as expertise. He committed to changing his approach, knowing full well the payoff wouldn't be instant. Today, his servant leadership and focus on learning continue to shape his mentees' success.
But the goal is always the same: to give people the tools they need to succeed.
"It's about setting people up for success," Vidal-Phillips said. "When you give them the right tools, everyone benefits: the employee, the team and ultimately the warfighter."
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2025 16:41 |
| Story ID: | 490297 |
| Location: | POINT MUGU NAWC, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 73 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Better Leaders, Better Outcomes: Vidal-Phillips Named 2024 Mentor of the Year, by Tim Gantner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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Michael Kennedy leans over a missile, his hands marked with black smudges as he carefully checks its components. Even after 45 years, Kennedy is most comfortable working alongside his team, ensuring every detail is just right.“It feels like yesterday,” Kennedy adds, recalling the early days of learning on the job and helping keep the Navy’s aircraft ready for any mission.Kennedy still laughs when he thinks back to 1979, standing in the Tire Shop at the Pacific Missile Test Center with grease-stained hands and ...
Michael Kennedy leans over a missile, his hands marked with black smudges as he carefully checks its components. Even after 45 years, Kennedy is most comfortable working alongside his team, ensuring every detail is just right.
“It feels like yesterday,” Kennedy adds, recalling the early days of learning on the job and helping keep the Navy’s aircraft ready for any mission.
Kennedy still laughs when he thinks back to 1979, standing in the Tire Shop at the Pacific Missile Test Center with grease-stained hands and a flat-tip screwdriver. He already knew his way around tools thanks to childhood days helping his dad fix cars back in Pennsylvania.
But he never imagined he’d eventually be the go-to guy for high-stakes missile extractions overseas or that he’d shape the Navy’s approach to ordnance in ways the manuals never even imagined.
“It’s been 45 years,” Kennedy said, pausing to reflect on a journey that’s led him from repairing F-14 tires to orchestrating complex missile operations around the globe.
“It’s not about the paycheck or the recognition; it’s about making sure our service members can trust their equipment and come home safe. That’s what keeps me here after all these years.”
For someone who once assumed a warhead sat in a missile’s nose, his transformation into one of NAWCWD’s most trusted experts is a testament to curiosity, mechanical know-how, and a knack for saying “yes” to challenges everyone else wants to avoid.
Learning the Ropes: From Tires to Tomcats
Kennedy’s Navy service from 1979 to 1983 introduced him to aircraft hydraulics, airframes, and eventually the Tire Shop in Point Mugu, California — a small but vital workspace where newcomers learned to maintain and replace wheels on Navy aircraft.
“Before I got to my designated shop, everyone spent time in tires,” Kennedy recalls. “It was the best on-the-job training you could ask for.”
By 1983, Kennedy had transitioned into civil service, working on everything from the F-14 Tomcat to specialized Air Force One and Marine One components. Each role deepened his appreciation for precision and reinforced the idea that every screw and every patch matter to the bigger mission.
Kennedy credits his early mentors for giving him the confidence to tackle complex tasks independently.
“I was that guy who said, ‘Sure, I’ll figure it out,’ even if I wasn’t 100% sure at first,” Kennedy said. “Back then, you relied on what you could learn from mentors and Chilton manuals — there was no Googling your way out of a problem.”
Tools of the Trade: A Key to Leadership
Over time, Kennedy’s knack for problem-solving propelled him into leadership roles. As a hydraulic shop supervisor, he mastered the ins and outs of aircraft systems. Later, he found his true calling at the Ready Missile Test Facility (RMTF).
Here he oversees the testing and maintenance of some of the Navy’s most critical missile assets, including the Air Intercept Missile-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, known as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, and other essential assets.
One lesson he carried from day one is the value of knowing how to use tools correctly — something Kennedy looks for when hiring and training new teammates.
“I can teach people the explosives piece,” Kennedy said, “but if they can’t tell a Phillips from a flathead, that’s a bigger problem.”
“Mike’s ability to inspire his team has always set him apart,” said Joe Kyles, a retired AO1 who has worked alongside Kennedy for about eight years. “He’s relentless in finding solutions — whether it’s routine maintenance or some off-the-wall repair no one’s ever attempted before.”
Kennedy’s expertise took him and his team to far-flung locations. He’s learned to approach every mission with an open mind, whether it’s saving multi-million-dollar missile systems damaged by unexpected incidents or training foreign allies on ordnance handling.
“You adapt,” Kennedy said. “And if the manual doesn’t have the answer, sometimes you write a new one.”
Balancing the Mission with Personal Passions
Outside of work, Kennedy is passionate about restoring classic Mustangs — an extension of his lifelong love for tinkering. He’s also a pilot and a writer of spy novels, hobbies that sprang from the same sense of curiosity that defined his Navy career.
“Whenever I travel for missile work, I’m writing scenes in my head,” Kennedy said. “That downtime on a flight is perfect for brainstorming storylines.”
Kennedy’s creativity and mechanical instincts feed off each other.
“I see it as another form of problem-solving,” Kennedy explains. “One day, I’m figuring out how to remove a jammed missile from a canister; the next, I’m plotting a twist in my novel.”
A Network of Teammates: Strength in Numbers Kennedy insists his successes are never a solo effort. Colleagues like Dan Wetherhold, an engineering technician at the RMTF, say Kennedy changed his life.
“After I retired from the Navy, I had limited career options — until Mike came along and recognized my potential,” Wetherhold said. “Fifteen years later, I’m still at RMTF, grateful he gave me the chance to build a real future for my family.”
Retired Navy Chief Kevin Woolgar, the newest addition to the team, agrees. “Mike sets the tone around here,” Woolgar said. “He never makes you feel like you asked a dumb question. He just shows you how to do it right and explains why it matters.”
A Lifetime of Service and Leadership
During a ceremony celebrating Kennedy’s 45 years of service, Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander of Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, thanked Kennedy for his enduring contributions.
“Thank you for your tremendous service,” Hash said. “We have served so many warfighters because of your service, leadership, and the team you’ve developed here at Point Mugu.”
Hash added, “It’s fantastic that you’ve spent that long serving your country; it truly is service. You’ve supported us at NAWCWD, your Navy, and your nation for a long time.”
Looking Ahead: Passing the Torch After decades in service, Kennedy has retirement on his mind — though it’s not a certainty just yet. His colleagues often joke that they’ll believe it when they see it, and Rear Adm. Keith Hash’s words during the ceremony reflect a shared sentiment.
“It sounds like you plan to continue,” Hash said, a nod to Kennedy’s unwavering dedication and hands-on approach.
For Kennedy, however, the focus remains on ensuring his team is prepared for the future. Training the next generation is a priority, and he’s determined not to leave the shop “one deep” in any area.
“I want them to have every tool, every piece of knowledge I’ve picked up,” Kennedy said. “That way, the work keeps going strong.”
Looking back, Kennedy is most proud of how he’s helped shape a culture of relentless curiosity and can-do spirit — traits that echo the young sailor who first reported to the Tire Shop decades ago.
“I hope people remember I was here to support the warfighter and do the job right,” Kennedy said, flipping through photos of aircraft he’s worked on and missiles he’s helped keep mission-ready. “Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about — making sure our people have what they need to stay safe and win.”
Even with retirement on the table, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him extend those plans yet again. After all, there’s always another missile needing attention, another novel chapter waiting to be written, and another creative fix that only Michael Kennedy seems able to conjure.
| Date Taken: | 01.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.21.2025 17:36 |
| Story ID: | 489429 |
| Location: | POINT MUGU NAWC, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From Tire Shop to Global Missions: Michael Kennedy’s 45-Year Navy Legacy, by Michael Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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