VADM J. Guy Reynolds Award
Established in 2010, the Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition recognizes a member of the submarine acquisition corps who has demonstrated professional excellence in submarine acquisition. The award is presented to an officer in the grade of Commander or Captain.
2023 Awardee: CAPT Mark C. Parrella, USN
for exceptionally meritorious service as the Major Program Manager of the COLUMBIA Class Submarine Program (PMS 397).
Under Captain Parrella’s leadership PMS 397 continues to ensure it efficiently executes its mission to design, build, test and sustain the Nation’s quality sea-based strategic deterrent on schedule within budget. He has assured that his program executes improvements across acquisition, contracting, supply chain, work force development, and sustainment. The program has achieved significant schedule risk reduction through a variety of successful initiatives. These efforts support the overall SSBN 826 in her third year of construction and SSBN 827 advanced construction efforts. He developed a major alteration of the program acquisition strategy which facilitates coordination with the Virginia Class, strengthens the industrial base, and offers flexibility in future SSBN purchases. The program is also driving improved advanced planning efforts for required upgrades to existing training and repair facilities. His leadership has resulted in outstanding workforce performance, increased retention, and improved teamwork and cohesion to support improved program performance. Captain Parrella has ensured PMS 397 remains a leader within the acquisition community by executing all program efforts and supporting other programs through the acquisition community.
Captain Parrella is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition.
Previous Awardees
2022 |
CMDCM(SS) J. R. McGarrah, USN |
2019 |
FTCM(SS) Richard C. Heering, USN |
2016 |
LSCM(SS) Kevin M. Gibbs, USN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 |
CMDCM(SS) Chris Yacur, USN |
2018 |
CMDCM(SS) Steven Rauch, USN |
2015 |
MMCM(SS) Wayne E. Fetterley, USN |
2020 |
CMDCM(SS) Timothy R. Glazner, USN |
2017 |
ETVCM(SS) Anthony P. Torres, USN |
2014 |
MCMM(SS) Edward T. Rathgeber, USN |
Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds
VADM Reynolds graduated from the Naval Academy in June 1959. After serving aboard the destroyer USS BAUSELL (DD 845), he completed submarine and nuclear power training. Nine months later he qualified in submarines onboard the USS ROBERT E. LEE (SSBN 601), becoming the first officer to qualify in nuclear submarines without having previously qualified on a diesel submarine. VADM Reynolds subsequently served aboard USS JACK (SSN 605), USS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (SSBN 640), and USS Sam Houston (SSBN 609). In 1969, VADM Reynolds served with the U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam. From 1973-1977, VADM Reynolds commanded the attack submarine USS PINTADO (SSN 672). Following this command, he became Deputy Senior Member, Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In this capacity, he certified the safety of seventy-two nuclear powered ships. In June 1979, VADM Reynolds took command of the submarine tender USS SPERRY (AS 12). SPERRY was responsible for the upkeep and modernization of submarines attached to the Pacific Fleet. VADM Reynolds commanded Submarine Squadron THREE from May 1980 until August 1981. He was then assigned as Project Manager, Torpedo MK 48, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC where he was responsible for development, procurement and testing of Navy torpedoes. While serving in that capacity, he was selected for flag rank.
In July 1983, VADM Reynolds became the Vice Director for Collection Management, Defense Intelligence Agency where he directed the Agency’s all-source collection effort. VADM Reynolds left DIA to become Director, Attack Submarines, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In September 1985, VADM Reynolds established the Navy’s Submarine Combat Systems Directorate, to direct the development, acquisition and maintenance of all submarine combat systems. In May 1987, VADM Reynolds took command of the Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet. He commanded the Force of 48 attack submarines, eight Trident submarines and associated support activities and nearly 20,000 people for twenty-nine months. After COMSUBPAC, VADM Reynolds assumed duties as Director, Test and Evaluation and Technology Requirements, Washington, DC He served in that position for three years before leaving active duty. VADM Reynolds has been awarded numerous service awards including the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit with Three Gold Stars. He had a Master’s degree in Operations Research.