Workforce Stars Award
The Workforce Stars Award recognizes five individuals who have been identified and selected as expemplary contributors to the construction, maintenance, or repair of our submarines or to their industrial infrastructure.
2024 Awardee: Michael Burke
for exemplary contributions to the maintenance of our submarines and our industrial infrastructure.
Mr. Burke joined the General Dynamics Mission Systems Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific in Silverdale, Washington in 2019. As a Maintenance Technician he would troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electric, electronic, and mechanical components of customer security systems. He quickly became one of the site’s best electronic system troubleshooters. His personal drive to accomplish tasks professionally and in a timely manner, coupled with his technical expertise and leadership, consistently assured systems assigned to him were in top condition. He was a direct contributor to maintaining the security of strategic systems. Michael was selected to join the highly competitive Engineering Installation Team in 2021. As a member of this team, he assists in designing, installing, and testing all new electronic security systems for the protection of our strategic systems. He has led several successful projects as Task Director during his tenure on this team.
Michael Burke is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Workforce Stars Award for Outstanding Achievement.
2024 Awardee: Timothy Hartwell
for exemplary contributions to the of our submarines and our industrial infrastructure.
Mr. Hartwell began his career at Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) in 2014 as an Electrician helping build Virginia Class Submarines. He currently works in the Electrical Test organization. His team was assigned to test and fix a towed array sonar system on the USS New Jersey (SSN 796). This complex testing was conducted without error or need for rework – positively impacting both cost and schedule, ensuring New Jersey was fully operational on time. Mr. Hartwell is an excellent role model for the new generation of shipbuilders. He takes time to explain and teach specific tasks and impart system-level knowledge which has made him a valuable Lead Mentor at HII-NNS. His attention to detail and dedication to first-time quality is a tremendous asset to his team, leading to the Electrical Department achieving a high level of success. Mr. Harwell’s dedication to constant improvement makes him an invaluable member of the NNS Electrical Department. His commitment to quality is admirable and he is a crucial member of the test organization at large and an immense asset to Newport News Shipbuilding and its customers.
Timothy Hartwell is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Workforce Stars Award for Outstanding Achievement.
2024 Awardee: Jacob Moreau
for exemplary contributions to the construction of our submarines and our industrial infrastructure.
Mr. Moreau began his career at General Dynamics Electric Boat in 2016 working on the installation of an exterior coating for the submarine to ensure US submarines are quieter than their potential foes. He rose to become the lead operator and was subsequently chosen for a three-year carpenter’s apprenticeship program in 2018. He works closely with the Optical tooling group to take precise measurements on the ship for critical components. Jacob is currently working on the new Columbia class of submarines, the most vital program in the Department of Defense. He often travels for EB to learn, operate and teach the new Transfer Car system, which is the way that carpenters move the submarine within the land level facility. Through his years of experience and strong skill development, Jacob has enhanced work practices by providing input to the design and operation of the new system; additionally, he is currently working on the curriculum to support the training of the carpenters that will soon be using this system to support all future Columbia work. He is an instructor for Lines of Ship training and for the transfer car system.
Jacob Moreau is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Workforce Stars Award for Outstanding Achievement.
2024 Awardee: Alex Stricklin
for exemplary contributions to the construction of our submarines and our industrial infrastructure.
Mr. Stricklin began his career at BWX Technologies in 2016 as a Production Technician to support the plant’s naval nuclear propulsion components. His natural aptitude for learning propelled him through multiple advancements, and he acquired many new skills, including operating one of the largest water-jet tables in the nation. In 2022, Mr. Stricklin’s interest in machining moved him to Tooling Assistant, where he made a positive impact by assisting machinists and presetting cutting tools essential for attaining precise finished dimensions. He was selected by BWXT to participate in a specialized machinist training program with Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing in Danville, Virginia, where he successfully attained all requisite National Institute for Metalworking Skills certifications. Alex is now the primary machinist operating one of the largest machining centers in the nation, capable of machining parts 14 feet in diameter and weighing up to one hundred tons. As a role model in the BWXT plant, he trains newly hired machinists and demonstrates a positive attitude.
Alex Stricklin is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Workforce Stars Award for Outstanding Achievement.
2024 Awardee: Tres VanKeuren
for exemplary contributions to the maintenance of our submarines and our industrial infrastructure.
Mr. VanKeuren began his career at Northrop Grumman in 2014 as a full-time assembly mechanic focused on the Virginia class Main Reduction Gear. He quickly mastered the intricate workings of the complex components and was eager to learn from senior assembly mechanics. During his tenure at Northrup Grumman, Tres has consistently volunteered to support field assignments. playing a pivotal role in the emergency repair of a Main Reduction Gear on an active submarine. As the lead mechanic on his shift, his expertise was instrumental in executing the gear replacement, timing and final reassembly. This feat is rarely needed shipboard and had previously never been performed on this class of ship. Mr. VanKeuren works tirelessly on assignments to return critical fleet ships back to service. He has become one of the key Journeyman Mechanics on the Ford Class aircraft carrier Main Reduction Gear at Northrop Grumman in Sunnyvale, California and fervently advocates the importance of specialized skilled workers in supporting the Navy and the Naval industry to his fellow employees and younger generations to promote the industry.
Tres VanKeuren is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Workforce Stars Award for Outstanding Achievement.
To be presented in 2024 for the first time.
This award recognizes outstanding young adults who are actively employed in the Submarine Industrial Base. They are trades-craft personnel (e.g., welder, pipefitter, electrician, etc.), production labor, or modernization and sustainment workers.
The nomination deadline is May 31. Employers wishing to nominate someone should contact execdirector@navalsubleague.org for complete criteria and instructions.