As the Executive Director, Commander Submarine Forces, Mr. Hoffer served as the principal advisor to the Submarine Force commander for all undersea warfare programs and requirements, including the future Columbia-class submarine, sixth generation attack submarine, undersea surveillance, unmanned undersea systems, infrastructure, and future undersea weapons and sensors. As the senior civilian in the Submarine Force, he headed development of the civilian workforce and the implementation of future capabilities across the undersea warfare enterprise, while overseeing a $22 billion portfolio of assets. Mr. Hoffer’s approach to collaboration and resourcing led to a resurgence in undersea warfare capabilities, including initiatives to grow the Submarine Force for future operations. His work helped strengthen the asymmetric advantage of U. S. undersea forces in a period of great power competition. Mr. Hoffer retired after 35 years of service in the Department of the Navy. In addition to his service to the Submarine Force for more than six years he previously served as Deputy Program Manager for the Seawolf Program Office (PMS 350), as Deputy Program Manager of the Advanced Undersea Systems Program (PMS 394), as a Defense Intelligence Senior Leaders at the Office of Naval Intelligence, and as Executive Director of the Naval Sea Systems Command. Currently, Mr. Hoffer serves as the Senior Director, Advanced Naval Programs at L3Harris Technologies, continuing his support of undersea warfare.

Mr. Hoffer is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the 2024 Distinguished Civilian Award.