14. March 2025
Warrenuas Adds Renowned Drone Expert To Boost Training Program
WarrenUAS, a leading drone training program from Warren Community College in New Jersey, has made a strategic move to expand its expertise with the addition of Ed Celiano, a renowned expert in UAS integration and research. This development is part of the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which has seen significant advancements in recent years.
Ed Celiano brings over 40 years of experience in the Defense Department technology field, where he has worked on numerous high-profile programs and organizations. His background includes leading Class 2 and 3 UAS flight operations for the Department of Defense and overseeing military and public UAS operations across seven states. This expertise will be instrumental in supporting WarrenUAS’ research initiatives, focusing on large UAS integration within the National Airspace System (NAS).
Celiano’s involvement will enable the program to explore innovative applications of UAS in various sectors, including natural resource management, disaster response and recovery, critical infrastructure inspections, and first responder operations. The partnership between WarrenUAS and Ed Celiano is expected to have a significant impact on the college’s research initiatives and training programs.
“This is another huge step for us,” said Warren President Will Austin, who made WarrenUAS a priority for the college. “Ed has worked in the Defense Department technology field for more than 40 years, leading programs and organizations in the development and deployment of mission-critical technologies, including Class 2 and 3 UAS flight operations.” Austin emphasized that Celiano’s addition will bring a new dimension to WarrenUAS’ activities, elevating the college’s capabilities and providing students with cutting-edge training.
WarrenUAS has already established itself as a prominent institution in the UAS training sector, with a proven track record of obtaining rigorous FAA certifications for flying above populated areas or out of the line of sight of operators. However, Celiano’s expertise will enable the program to tackle more complex and sophisticated UAS operations, requiring specialized authorizations for flight.
The partnership between WarrenUAS and Ed Celiano is expected to drive innovation in the college’s research initiatives and training programs. With Celiano’s guidance, WarrenUAS will be able to provide students with hands-on experience operating larger, more advanced UAS systems, which will not only enhance their skills but also prepare them for the rapidly evolving job market.
“We’ve been able to acquire more than $5 million in UAS technology and top-notch instructors to provide a wide range of UAS training in fields ranging from agriculture to law enforcement, search and rescue, and firefighting,” Austin said. “Having Ed working with us will help us provide students with direct exposure to more sophisticated equipment in whole new environments, all within the strict guidance of the FAA.”
Ed Celiano’s background is replete with notable achievements, including his tenure as general manager at Drexel University’s Applied Communications and Information Networking Center, a joint Department of Defense business and technology incubation center. He also served as general manager and vice president of operations at S.T. Production Systems in Farmingdale, NJ (formerly FEL Corporation), a vertically integrated military electronics warfare and Naval communications systems corporation.
When asked about his excitement to join WarrenUAS, Celiano emphasized the opportunity to share his knowledge gained from his extensive experience and help the college advance in this fast-growing field. “I’m excited to be part of the work Dr. Will and WarrenUAS are doing,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to pass along my knowledge and help the college elevate its capabilities in this exciting field.”
The addition of Ed Celiano to WarrenUAS marks a significant milestone in the program’s growth, further solidifying its position as a leader in UAS training and research. As institutions like WarrenUAS continue to drive innovation and advancement in the UAS industry, it is essential to acknowledge their role in shaping the next generation of professionals who will play a critical role in shaping our daily lives.
By providing students with cutting-edge training and research opportunities, programs like WarrenUAS are not only equipping them for careers but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. As we look to the future, it is clear that institutions like WarrenUAS will continue to play a vital role in advancing knowledge and skills in the UAS industry.
The partnership between WarrenUAS and Ed Celiano demonstrates the importance of collaboration and expertise in driving innovation in the UAS training landscape. As this partnership drives progress and prepares students for careers in this rapidly growing sector, it is clear that the future of UAS will be shaped by institutions like WarrenUAS, which are committed to advancing knowledge and skills.
In conclusion, the addition of Ed Celiano to WarrenUAS marks an exciting development in the UAS training landscape. As this partnership drives innovation and prepares students for careers in this rapidly growing sector, it is clear that institutions like WarrenUAS will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of UAS training and research.