NSL OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO NROTC UNITS

The Naval Submarine League (NSL) Outstanding Achievement Award is an annual award intended to promote the Navy’s nuclear submarine community within the NROTC units. The award recognizes midshipmen and officer candidates with proven academic and leadership skills who have been selected for entry into the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program as submarine officers. The award consists of a certificate, a letter of presentation, a one-year honorary membership in the NSL, and recipient acknowledgment in THE SUBMARINE REVIEW.

(1) Eligibility criteria. The student must:
(a) Be a scholarship senior or a member of the enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) and a selected nuclear submariner
(b) Demonstrate superior academic aptitude
(c) Exhibit a strong desire to pursue a career in submarine warfare
(d) Demonstrate balanced qualities and aptitude for accession as a naval officer
(e) Be a role model to inspire others to strive for nuclear submarine program selection.

The award is titled the

FREDERICK B. WARDER AWARD

for

Outstanding Achievement

It is named in honor of Rear Admiral Warder, a standout among the many World War II submarine heroes. He was dubbed “Fearless Freddie” by his own crew in SEA WOLF, out of respect and admiration, and as a byproduct of a particularly aggressive and innovative war patrol in the Western Pacific.

• Commanded SEAWOLF on 7 War Patrols
• Credited with sinking 8 Japanese ships (38,900 tons)
• Chosen to command second U.S. wolf Pack” which consisted of SNOOK, PARGO, and HARDER
• Commanded the Naval Submarine School Served as Commander of Submarine Forces Atlantic
• As a mid-grade officer, stood toe-to-toe” with seniors to successfully defend a crew member wrongfully accused.
• Described by Clay Blair as Courageous Prepossessing Salty Tongued A fighter who was worshiped by his crew One of the best of the Skippers who were fine, aggressive leaders.

1999 AWARDS

This year, awards were given to forty NROTC Midshipmen and Officer Candidates. The names of the recipients and their respective colleges and universities are listed at the end of the article. Here are a few samples of the thank you letters we have received this year.

” … I want to thank you for the Frederick B. Warder Award for Outstanding Achievement. I am honored to have been selected as a recipient. Please extend my thanks to Commander George Fraser for taking time to make the presentation … ” Midshipmen I/C

” … It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that I sit down to write you this thank-you note. On behalf of myself and the Navy ROTC, I want to thank you for bestowing the award upon me, as well as sending a representative to give me the award personally. With sincere thanks … ” Midshipman 1/C

” … I’d like to thank you for helping to make this year’s President’s Review a success. Your personal participation and the Naval Submarine League’s continued commitment to the young men and women of our NROTC unit speaks highly of the dedication that’s vital to the survival and growth of programs like ours. Rest assured, your gracious and unfailing support is greatly appreciated… We look forward to working with you again next year. In the meantime, please let all the members of your organization know how much their support means to all of us … ”
CAPT, USN, Commanding Officer

” … We are grateful for your contribution to our annual Awards Day Ceremony. Captain Earl L. Dewispelaere, USN(Ret.) presented the award on your organization’s behalf. The ceremony would not have been possible without the dedicated support of organizations like yours. The Midshipmen, Officer Candidates … wish to thank you for recognizing their efforts and achievements over the past year … ” CAPT, USN, Commanding Officer.

” … Thank you for the NSL Outstanding Achievement Award for our Awards Ceremony on 22 April 1999. I presented the award on your behalf … Your support and interest in recognizing Midshipmen who perform in a superior manner are greatly appreciated … ” CAPT, USN, Commanding Officer.