The best in the Submarine Force were honored this year at the Naval Submarine League’s 35th Annual Symposium and Industry Up- date, November 1-2, 2017, in Arlington, VA. The NSL gave out 8 awards to submariners from the fleet and support activities and honored
three Distinguished Submariners and one Distinguished Civilian.
FLEET AWARDS
The Fleet Awards Luncheon began with a speech by Vice Admiral Robert
P. Burke who had received the Rear Admiral Jack N. Darby Award for In- spirational Leadership and Excellence of Command in 2004. Those who were chosen by the Submarine Force (COMSUBLANT/COMSUBPAC INSTRUCTION 1650.6D) for awards come from all over the country. This year there appears to be a convergence of talent from New Jersey, as three of the eight fleet awardees hail from there.
TORPEDOMAN SECOND CLASS HENRY BREAULT AWARD FOR SUBMARINE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
The first New Jersey native who was honored is the 2017 Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault Award winner, EMNC(SS/DV) Keith Mi- chael Ober, USN. Chief Ober was a petty officer when selected for this award. Newly pinned Chief Ober was unable to attend the Symposium because of his boat’s schedule and was represented by his mother, who received his award on his behalf. Chief Ober, who entered the Navy in January 2002, was recognized for outstanding professional perfor- mance as Acting Electrical Division Leading Chief Petty Officer aboard USS Texas (SSN 775). He represents the very best of the sailors on- board Texas with his ability to inspire and focus personnel in the Engi- neering Department and throughout the ship. He accomplished several significant tasks supporting the ship’s operations and schedule with out- standing results during the past year. These events included a Western Pacific Deployment, a major Continuous Maintenance Availability, two Pre-Overseas Movement Maintenance Availabilities, an Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination, Submarine Command Course Oper- ations, and a Tactical Readiness Examination. He maintained superior day-to-day standards, relentless commitment, and total dedication to the ship’s mission. He is an expert electrician. During the four- month Continuous Maintenance Availability, he planned and supervised 200 preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance items and over 20 tests with zero rework. He skillfully coordinated the isolation of two low performing battery cells and flawlessly executed an infrequent discharge procedure to improve the ship’s battery capacity. As the ship’s Command Career Counselor, he was responsible for over 30 reenlistments. His mother, Sandra Ober, is one of the newest Naval Submarine League life members.
The Breault award was formerly the Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood Award for Submarine Professional Excellence (E-6 and Below), but was changed to reflect more of our submarine history. TM2 Henry Breault is the only enlisted submariner to receive the Medal of Honor. On 28 October 1923, Breault’s boat USS O-5 (SS-66) was involved in a colli- sion with a ship and began to sink. Breault was awarded the Medal of Honor for uncommon valor in going to the aid of a shipmate who cer- tainly would have died without his assistance. Torpedoman Breault was actually up the ladder and out on the main deck when he turned around to help his fellow crew member. Breault and the other sailor ended up going down with the boat and, after a day of recovery operations, were rescued from the torpedo room by a salvage crew.
CHIEF PAUL GOLDEN SAUNDERS AWARD FOR SUBMARINE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
ETRCS(SS) Wayne Ryan, USN, another native of New Jersey, is the Chief Paul Golden Saunders awardee. Senior Chief Ryan enlisted in the Navy in February 2007 and was honored for his service aboard the USS Springfield (SSN 761) for superior professional excellence as Navigation Department and Radio/Communications Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. Senior Chief Ryan’s performance onboard Springfield has been superb. As the Communication Division Leading Chief Petty Officer, he has transformed a junior and inexperienced division into a top-notch team. His influence far exceeds the boundaries of his department and has made a positive impact throughout the ship. During a recent EUCOM deployment, the ship experienced 100% connectivity and earned special recognition from the operational commander. As a result of superlative performance, Springfield was awarded the Navigation/Operations “N” for 2016. Senior Chief Ryan has made a tremendous impact throughout the ship and played a key role in numerous successes both at sea and during a challenging overhaul. Recognized for his exceptional knowl- edge of advanced submarine operations, he was specifically selected to develop and implement operational plans in the ship’s deployed Tactical Cell. His efforts made a significant contribution to the achievement of a Meritorious Unit Commendation for the ship’s 2016 deployment. As a mentor he has used every teachable moment to pass on knowledge and experience. His comprehensive approach to training resulted in a high number of advancements in rate within his responsible divisions. His sailors are proud, well trained, and dedicated to furthering ship goals, the Navy, and themselves.
The Chief Paul Golden Saunders Award was previously the Vice Admi- ral Charles A. Lockwood Award for Submarine Professional Excellence (CPO). Chief Saunders is considered one of the most decorated enlisted submariners. He enlisted in the Navy in 1936 and served for 26 years. Over his career he was awarded two Silver Star Medals and a Bronze Star. He participated in a landing of military forces in Japan. His legacy certainly is of note and is an important part of our submarine history.
MASTER CHIEF FRANK A. LISTER AWARD FOR EXCEP- TIONAL LEADERSHIP AND MOTIVATION WHILE SERVING AS A CHIEF OF THE BOAT
Master Chief Anthony P. Torres, USN is the recipient of the 2017 FLTCM (SS) Frank A. Lister Award for Exceptional Leadership and Motivation while serving as Chief of the Boat. ETVCM (SS) Torres was born in the Panama Canal Zone and entered the Navy in January 1996. He was rec- ognized for outstanding meritorious service as Chief of the Boat on USS Columbia (SSN 771). Master Chief Torres was the driving force behind the phenomenal success demonstrated by Columbia during his tour. He trained, mentored, and developed a superb team ready for any mission assigned. In preparation for mission assignment, he skillfully developed Ship Control teams that were able to operate safely in the most chal- lenging environments. Through his efforts, Columbia conducted three highly successful National Security missions, collecting critical data in support of the Theater Commander’s security objectives. His keen judg- ment in watchbill management and deckplate operational preparations were key factors in assuring success. His exceptionally high standards, a single-minded focus on improving basics, and a drive for improvement in all areas has established a legacy of excellence. He leads and inspires a team that strives to be the best. Under his supervision, Columbia ex- ecuted multiple international ports of call with zero liberty incidents. His motivated crew demonstrated the best character of American youth while ashore and when reaching out to local charities to demonstrate America’s goodwill. His leadership was instrumental in achieving high results in career advancement and retention in service. The improved overall attrition and retention rate during his tour reflect his direct in- volvement in mentoring his crew. His direct involvement in the day to day operations in Columbia has resulted in high morale and a positive command climate.
REAR ADMIRAL FREDERICK B. WARDER AWARD FOR OUT- STANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Mr. Mark Cook is the winner of the 2017 RADM Frederick B. Warder Award for Outstanding Achievement. A native of Woodbridge, Virginia, Mr. Cook attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. In June 1982, he started his shipbuilding/ship repair career at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. In 1987, he started work at the Norfolk Naval Ship- yard. He was recognized for outstanding meritorious service in the per- formance of duties as Project Superintendent for the FY 2016 Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO) of Rhode Island (SSBN 740) at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Mr. Cook’s leadership of the Rhode Island project team set the standard for SSBN ERO execution. His efforts maintained Rhode Island on schedule to be the first ever on-time completion of an SSBN ERO. Mr. Cook maintained this high level of performance by focusing on critical and controlling path tasks. He engaged middle management leadership throughout the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) at timely in- tervals to ensure that priorities were aligned throughout all NNSY proj- ects. Mr. Cook has the extraordinary ability to recognize potential prob- lems that affect schedule completion. He effectively described problems to senior NNSY managers and developed plans of action to prioritize strained resources to address the most important requirements. Mr. Cook was extremely effective in supervising work from the deck plates. He was often seen in the tightest corners of the submarine cleaning jobsites with the work force. He is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and show others the right way to do business. He creates an environment where subordinates are encouraged and empowered to accomplish their respon- sibilities and create work practices that accomplish tasks correctly and on time. Mr. Cook realizes the importance of the strategic mission and has maintained the schedule towards on-time delivery despite hazardous weather, institutional inertia and conventional wisdom.
VICE ADMIRAL LEVERING SMITH AWARD FOR SUBMA- RINE SUPPORT ACHIEVEMENT
Hailing from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lieutenant Zachary J. Prefontaine, USN, is the winner of the 2017 VADM Levering Smith Award for Sub- marine Support Achievement. LT Prefontaine earned a Bachelor of Sci- ence degree in Nuclear Engineering and a Technical Communications certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009 and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 2010. LT Prefontaine was recognized for outstanding meritorious service in the performance of his duties as a Tactics Instructor at the Naval Submarine School, New London, CT. LT Prefontaine has a superior knowledge of the employ- ment of submarine sonar and fire control systems. His ability to explain complex tactical guidance to more senior officer students earned him the assignment as instructor in the Submarine Advanced Officer Course (SOAC). As a SOAC instructor, he has been extremely effective and has gained notable praise from the students and submarine school staff. He developed and assisted in the implementation of major changes to the SOAC curriculum so that newly reporting submarine Department Heads were trained on the most up-to-date tactical guidance. LT Prefontaine is consistently called upon to support training for Groton-based submarines. In the last year, he tailored over 500 hours of fleet-responsive training to address the needs of submarine crews and supported 31 Intermediate and Advanced Pre-deployment training periods. He volunteered and spent two weeks underway with a unit in need of pre-deployment training. He assisted in revising the unit’s operational plans, trained and mentored the wardroom, and provided instruction during onboard training events. His support met their advanced pre-deployment needs, allowing the ship to make its scheduled deployment date. LT Prefontaine’s uncommon desire to go far beyond the requirements of the job and to seek out opportunities to make a difference in the submarine force set him apart from his peers
VICE ADMIRAL CHARLES A. LOCKWOOD AWARD FOR SUB- MARINE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
The 2017 VADM Charles A. Lockwood Award for Submarine Profes- sional Excellence was presented to Lieutenant Commander Matthew S. Thatcher, USN, another native of New Jersey. Thatcher earned a Bach- elor of Science from the Naval Academy (2002) and an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. He was recognized for outstanding performance as Executive Officer aboard USS California (SSN 781). His outstanding preparations of the ship re- sulted in California deploying one month early on a 2016 EUCOM and Sixth Fleet Area of operations deployment. During the deployment, he served as Command Duty Officer and the Commanding Officer’s right hand man, expertly leading the ship through three missions vital to na- tional security. He demonstrated flawless judgment and impressive tac- tical savvy while conducting shallow water high contact density oper- ations in pursuit of theater and national security objectives. California performed admirably, gaining several high-interest CNO priority list col-lections. The crew under his leadership performed as effective ambassa- dors while on liberty in foreign ports. LCDR Thatcher has demonstrated remarkable leadership which has produced measurable results. Signifi- cant achievements include California’s Battle Efficiency “E” award and COMSUBLANT’s selection for the 2016 Battenberg Cup. He molded a team of Junior Officers into the top waterfront team as recognized by the 2016 RADM Momsen Award for the second year in Commander Submarine Squadron Four. Throughout his tour he trained and mentored six submarine Department Heads, furthering their careers and providing force-wide development of these officers for the future of the submarine community.
REAR ADMIRAL JACK N. DARBY AWARD FOR INSPIRATION- AL LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE OF COMMAND
Commander Davis S. Forman, USN, of Agoura Hills, California, is the 2017 RADM Jack N. Darby Award for Inspirational Leadership and Ex- cellence of Command awardee. His previous sea assignments include Junior Officer on USS L. Mendel Rivers (SSN 686), Engineer on USS Wy- oming (SSBN 742) (Gold), and Executive Officer aboard USS Columbus (SSN 762). CDR Forman was recognized for exceptionally meritorious service as Commanding Officer, USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (Blue). CDR Forman has established a superlative record in safely executing the na- tion’s number one mission, strategic deterrence. His leadership achieved record high results in an INSURV Inspection and Technical Proficiency Inspection evaluations. Alaska (Blue) accomplishments were recognized by winning the Commander Submarine Squadron 20 Battle Efficiency “E” and the Commander USS Strategic Command Omaha Trophy as the top SSBN in the force for 2016. Alaska (Blue) provided the Submarine Force with valuable lessons and tools in the areas of operational safety and crew watch rotation. These recommendations have been adopted by several other units on both coasts. CDR Forman has set the standard in sailor and family recognition. Through a tiered program of personal recognition and routinely coordinating family-inclusive events, Alaska (Blue) established extremely high morale. These achievements were rec- ognized by two positive climate surveys, a Submarine Culture workshop, and a high ranking within COMSUBFOR’s “people-centered-metrics.” By effectively teaching his crew the importance of their mission and clearly communicating the expected standard of professional behavior, CDR Forman led his crew to over 732 days free of destructive behavior. These achievements clearly demonstrate CDR Forman’s conspicuous contributions to leadership in the Submarine Force.
VICE ADMIRAL J. GUY REYNOLDS AWARD FOR EXCEL- LENCE IN SUBMARINE ACQUISITION
The 2017 VADM J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition was presented to Captain Scott E. Pappano, USN. CAPT Pappano is a graduate of the Naval Academy (1989 Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering). His sea tours include USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), USS Albuquerque (SSN 706), USS Michigan (SSBN 727) (Gold), USS Ohio (SSGN 726), and USS Buffalo (SSN 715). He was recognized for exceptionally meritorious service as Manager of the Strategic and Attack Submarine Program Office (PMS 392). CAPT Pappano is responsible for the coordination of stakeholders to combine technical requirements and Fleet priorities to manage sub- marine configuration, maintenance and modernization, design, procure- ment, installation, and life cycle management for equipment across all in-service submarine classes. He effectively led the NAVSEA team and stakeholders to influence and optimize projected service life extensions in OHIO Class submarines. This effort is critical to the sustainment of OHIO Class operational availability in support of COLUMBIA Class readiness to assume nuclear deterrent tasking. Significant accomplish- ments in the improvement of the OHIO Class service life extensions led by CAPT Pappano included the design development of a replacement navigation processing unit, design development and replacement of the ship control system, and improvements to ventilation monitoring, hover- ing, and missile heating and cooling systems. CAPT Pappano led a team of technical managers and manufacturers to improve submarine battery performance. This team was instrumental in the acquisition and funding of new manufacturing infrastructure that will lead to more consistent and better performing battery cells. CAPT Pappano provided leadership to efficiently complete the transition of the VIRGINIA Class Planning Yard with the In- Service Engineering Agent. This action supports effective maintenance planning which will sustain the VIRGINIA Class through end of life. CAPT Pappano exemplifies the finest attributes for an acqui- sition professional.
NAVAL SUBMARINE LEAGUE DISTINGUISHED CIVILIAN AND DISTINGUISHED SUBMARINER AWARDS
The individuals selected for Distinguished Civilian and Distinguished Submariner were recognized at the banquet at the closing of the 35th Annual Symposium and Industry Update.
NAVAL SUBMARINE LEAGUE DISTINGUISHED CIVILIAN AWARD
The 2017 Distinguished Civilian Award was presented to Mr. G. Daniel Tyler, senior advisor in the Force Projection Sector at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Mr. Tyler joined JHU/APL in 1970 as a member of the SSBN Security program. His efforts in under- water acoustics established limits on the performance of high-gain sonar systems and provided the basis for an assessment of the vulnerability of
U.S. submarines to acoustic detection. Since his initial assignments, Mr. Tyler has had numerous line supervisor and program manager assign- ments. He is an expert in aligning the staff to address a myriad of new tasks and challenges. In 1998 he was tasked to restructure and lead APL’s Submarine Technology Department. Mr. Tyler effectively broadened and grew the Department’s tasking across all areas of Undersea Warfare. In 2000, he established a charter for APL in Homeland Protection, includ- ing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense and in 2001 he was tasked to refocus APL’s declining efforts in biomedicine. The team he assembled transformed this activity from a low-level grant- based effort into a thriving technical enterprise. The Submarine Technol- ogy Department was renamed the National Security Technology Depart- ment, and now includes three APL business areas in Undersea Warfare,Homeland Protection, and Biomedicine and the Department has tripled in tasking and staffing. Mr. Tyler recently served as Head of JHU/APL’s largest department, Force Projection, comprising three of APL’s eleven Business Areas. He had line responsibility for approximately 1000 staff and program responsibility for $350M in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation. He currently serves as that sector’s senior advisor.
NAVAL SUBMARINE LEAGUE DISTINGUISHED SUBMARI- NER AWARDS
Three submariners were presented with the Distinguished Submariner Award.
The late Admiral Powell Carter was selected for Distinguished Subma- riner. ADM Carter passed away on June 28, 2017. His contributions to the navy and the submarine service were truly outstanding and worthy of recognition by this award. His military career started at the lowest level – an enlisted seaman apprentice – and culminated at the highest level -a four-star admiral. He graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy with the class of 1955 and served with distinction in a number of bil- lets on board various submarines, including a superlative command tour on USS Hammerhead (SSN 663). Hammerhead became the first nucle- ar submarine to navigate and surface through the ice at the North Pole during the winter period of total darkness. His first shore assignment was as Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Holloway. He subsequently served as Commander Submarine Squadron Sixteen in Rota, Spain. After selection to flag rank, he was assigned as Commander Submarine Group Two and following that tour was selected to form a new directorate, the Strategic and Theater Nuclear Warfare Division in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Later flag assignments included duty with the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Staff Director and assignment as the United States Representative to NATO. ADM Carter’s last assignment was as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He retired in 1991. Admiral Carter has been described by his fellow admirals as a quiet individual who seemed to have almost no ego. They also remarked that behind the plain façade lurked a brilliant mind that was unmoved by anything but cold logic. ADM Carter retired to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and served in numerous volunteer ca- pacities. His daughter, Gretchen, attended the banquet and received his award.
As a 2017 Distinguished Submariner, Vice Admiral Dan Cooper was recognized for outstanding and continuing meritorious service in support of the Navy and the submarine force. VADM Cooper served the Navy and his country with great distinction for over 37 years of commissioned service. Following graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1957 and after a period in the amphibious force, he served in four subma- rines including Trigger, Haddo, Simon Bolivar, and command of Puffer. Following a very successful command tour, he was assigned as Com- mander Submarine Squadron Ten. Significant flag assignments included duties as Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet and Assis- tant Chief of Naval Operations for Undersea Warfare (OP 02). He served with considerable expertise and skill in a number of financial, budgeting, and planning staff billets in Washington, D.C. These included Comptrol- ler, Naval Sea Systems Command; Director, Navy Budgets and Reports; and Director, Navy Program Planning. He retired from the Navy in 1991. Following retirement, he served on several corporate boards including the Navy Federal Credit Union, United Services Automobile Associa- tion, the Philadelphia Electric Company, and the Exelon Corporation. He also served as President of the Naval Submarine League and on advisory boards for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. He served for six years as Undersecretary for Benefits at the Department of Vet- erans Affairs, supervising Education, Insurance, Pension, Home Loan Guaranty, and Vocational Rehabilitation programs for all veterans. He is currently working to develop the America’s Heroes First Foundation, a charity to benefit veterans in need.
Vice Admiral Ron Thunman was recognized as a Distinguished Subma- riner for outstanding and continuing meritorious service in support of the Navy and the submarine force. VADM Thunman served the Navy and his country with great distinction for over 34 years of commissioned ser- vice. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1954. After initial duties in the surface navy he entered the submarine service and served with distinction in four submarines including Vola- dor, Robert E. Lee, Snook, and command of Plunger. His outstanding ser- vice was recognized by numerous awards including two Distinguished Service Medals, three Legions of Merit and numerous unit commenda- tions. After command, he served as Commander Submarine Squadron 15 in Guam. Following promotion to flag rank, he was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Officer Development and Distri- bution. He became Commander Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet in 1979. Assignment as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare (OP 02) followed. His achievements as OP 02 were significant and included development of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile, Trident II Missile, the improved SSN 688 Class Submarine, and the design of the SEAWOLF Class Submarine. He became Chief of Naval Education and Training before retiring in 1988. Following retirement, VADM Thunman continued to serve the nation in several responsible positions, including as Superintendent of the Valley Forge Military Academy and as Presi- dent/ Director of several corporations and government services.
